Evolution of Education (Pedagogy vs. Andragogy)

Founding Father of Education (Socrates)

5 BCE

Socrates, the Greek philosopher, is widely considered to be the founding father of education. Although no one knows for sure, who originally coined the term "pedagogy", it can be determined that Socrates played an important role in how education is shaped today. The idea of pedagogy has always played an important role in education whether it be as an art, science or applied science. Source

The Elementary School Act

1817

This was a proposed piece of legislation from Thomas Jefferson that would require local legislations to put in place laws and acts for education. This would prevent "overbearing government control". Thomas Jefferson also believed that higher education should be available to everyone. Source

Alexander Kapp: The First Known User of the Andragogy Concept

1833

Alexander Kapp was a German gymnasium teacher and was the first person to use the "andragogy" concept for adult learning. In his book, Kapp places an emphasis on inner qualities rather than outer when it comes to adult education. Kapp's theory is that the forming of character is more important and should have more value in education. Source

John Dewey

1917

John Dewey, a pioneer in education, made a lot of valuable contributions. Many of which we see in the classroom today. Dewey believed in introducing meaningful activities throughout instruction. In addition, he placed belief in creating a classroom democracy with the students. Source

Eduard C. Lindeman

1926

Eduard Lineman published "The Meaning of Adult Education" in 1926. In his book, he determined that education evolves from situations and not subjects. Lineman based his study on both being an adult learner and being a teacher. This book and pioneer, paved the way for adult education. Source

Edward Thorndike

1928

Thorndike is one of the greatest learning theorists throughout history. In 1928, he published a study "Adult Learning". In his findings, he determined that the ability to learn does not decline until age 35. Even more so, Thorndike determined that behaviors that are followed by a pleasant consequence are more likely to be repeated. Source

Abraham Maslow (Hierarchy of Needs)

1943

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory states that our actions and our determination for learning, is motivated by physiological and psychological needs. Similar to the concept of andragogy, when learning is wanted, the needs for motivation need to be met first.
Maslow's Hierarchy:
1. Physiological Needs
2. Safety Needs
3. Belongingness
4. Esteem
5. Self-Actualization Source

Benjamin Bloom (Bloom's Taxonomy)

1956

In 1956, Benjamin Bloom and his team developed a taxonomy that could be applied in education to deepen student learning. The taxonomy is separated into 6 categories, progressing from simple to complex:
1. Knowledge
2. Comprehension
3. Application
4. Analysis
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation
Since 1956, instructional researchers have revised the taxonomy to include more dynamic concepts. Source

Adult Learning Theory (Malcolm Knowles)

1968

In 1968, Malcolm Knowles developed the adult learning theory. He based his theory on 6 assumptions:
1. Readiness to Learn
2. Orientation of Learning
3. Motivation to Learn
4. Reason to Learn
5. Self-concept
6. Experience
Adult Learning Theory is also known as andragogy. Source

Carl Rogers (Experiential Learning)

1969

Carl Rogers determined that all human beings have a desire to learn. So, failure to learn is not due to the person's inability to learn but rather the situation. As we compare children and adult learning techniques and styles it's important to remember that situations play a big part in an individuals motivation. Source

Howard Gardner (Multiple Intelligences)

1983

Howard Gardner developed the 8 multiple intellgences of learning and determined that instruction needed to be varied to achieve learning in every student. Click Here to view my Blabberize of Howard Gardner