What is the Difference Between Andragogy and Pedagogy?

The main difference between pedagogy and andragogy lies in the approach to teaching and learning, as well as the age and maturity of the learners. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Learner's Dependence: Pedagogy is focused on teaching children, who are dependent learners and rely on the teacher for guidance. In contrast, andragogy is focused on teaching adults, who are self-directed learners and take more responsibility for their learning.
2. Teacher's Role: In pedagogy, the teacher plays a more central role, providing instruction and guiding the learning process. In andragogy, the teacher acts as a facilitator, supporting the learner in their self-directed learning process.
3. Learning Experience: Pedagogy relies more on the teacher's and textbook writer's experience, while andragogy leverages the learner's own life experiences and knowledge to enhance the learning process.
4. Motivation: In pedagogy, learners often need to be motivated by the teacher to engage in the learning process. In andragogy, adult learners are often internally motivated and self-directed, with a strong desire to learn and apply new knowledge.
5. Learning Focus: Pedagogy is subject-centered, focusing on the prescribed curriculum and planned sequences. Andragogy, on the other hand, is learner-centered, focusing on the learner's needs, interests, and goals.

In summary, pedagogy is more teacher-centered and focused on guiding dependent learners, while andragogy is learner-centered and focuses on supporting self-directed adult learners in their learning process.

Comparative Table: Andragogy vs Pedagogy

Here is a table comparing the differences between andragogy and pedagogy:

In summary, pedagogy is focused on teacher-led instruction and is more suitable for children or dependent learners, while andragogy is focused on student-led instruction with the teacher as a facilitator and is more suitable for adult or self-directed learners.