Andragogy
Andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn, different from teaching children (pedagogy). It's a key approach used in corporate training, continuing education, and professional development. Think of it as the special way of teaching that works best for grown-ups, considering their work experience, self-direction, and need to understand why they're learning something. When you see this term in resumes, it usually means the person knows how to design and deliver training that really connects with adult learners.
Examples in Resumes
Designed corporate training programs using Andragogy principles to improve employee engagement
Applied Andragogical methods to create effective professional development workshops
Increased course completion rates by 40% through implementing Adult Learning Theory strategies
Typical job title: "Adult Education Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Adult Education Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a corporate training program that effectively applies andragogical principles?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss creating practical, relevant content, involving learners in planning, using their experience as a resource, and focusing on problem-solving rather than just content delivery.
Q: How do you measure the success of adult learning programs?
Expected Answer: Strong answers should mention both immediate feedback methods and long-term impact assessment, including participation rates, practical application of skills, and business outcomes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What strategies do you use to engage adult learners in training sessions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss using real-world examples, group discussions, practical exercises, and relating content to workplace situations.
Q: How do you handle resistant adult learners in a training environment?
Expected Answer: Look for approaches that focus on understanding learner motivation, demonstrating practical value, and creating a respectful learning environment.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of adult learning?
Expected Answer: Should mention self-direction, practical application, life experience, and immediate relevance to work or goals.
Q: How is teaching adults different from teaching children?
Expected Answer: Should explain that adults need to know why they're learning something, bring work experience, are self-directed, and prefer practical over theoretical learning.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of adult learning principles
- Creating simple training materials
- Facilitating small group discussions
- Basic needs assessment
Mid (2-5 years)
- Designing comprehensive training programs
- Advanced facilitation techniques
- Training evaluation methods
- Curriculum development
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic program development
- Training impact assessment
- Leading training teams
- Organization-wide learning strategies
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of how adults learn differently from children
- Lack of experience in creating practical, workplace-relevant training
- Poor facilitation or presentation skills
- No experience in measuring training effectiveness
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Boomers to Zoomers: Unlocking Organizational Wisdom through Cross-Generational Mentoring
Future-Proof Your Workforce: Embracing Lifelong Learning
Stop Training Like It's 1999: The Unconventional Guide to Upskilling Your Team for the Future
