16 Part 1 Foundations of Human Development
Some people believe that development
is self-directed from the earliest stages of
infancy. This is termed andragogy. Propo-
nents of andragogy believe that a child inter-
acts with his or her environment very early in
life, directing learning as growth and change
occurs.
Which is correct? Probably a combination
of both pedagogy and andragogy is an accu-
rate assessment. Young babies and children
direct much of their learning as they explore
their world. Parents and caregivers provide
stimulating experiences that promote learn-
ing. As people mature, they become more
independent and self-motivated, 1-11. Learn-
ing environments appropriately change from
teacher-directed instruction of pedagogy to
self-directed instruction. Andragogy utilizes
experiences and maturing social roles of the
learner. Guidance and mentoring can be used.
For example, as a teen takes on more respon-
sibility by babysitting children, the teen learns
what works and does not work in keeping the
children safe and entertained. The children’s
parents may leave instructions, but the teen
learns the responsibilities of the job through
self-directed learning.
Cheryl Savan/Shutterstock.com
1-11
Independent learning can mean reading
about developments in your area of
interest.
One teaching style that utilizes the theory of
andragogy is the Montessori method of teaching.
This teaching style encourages children to direct
themselves in learning and play activities instead of
the teacher leading them through activities. Children
can explore their own interests through the five
senses and can learn to guide themselves at their
own pace. This andragogy style of teaching differs
from the pedagogy style of teaching because the
Montessori teacher is less direct in instruction.
Montessori teachers prepare the environment
around the children and supply activities that are
both self-directing and self-correcting. Children are
placed in classrooms by three-year age groups.
These classrooms foster social interaction, in which
the older students can help explain what they have
learned to younger students. This also reinforces
the older children’s learnings. From exposure to
watching older students, the younger students can
direct their own activities to test, recreate, and gain
experiences.
Speaking Activity
Compare the pedagogy teaching style to the
andragogy teaching style. With a partner, debate the
pros and cons of each teaching style.
Health Connections
Teaching Styles Teaching Styles
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