Knowles held that andragogy (from the Greek words meaning "man-leading") should be distinguished from the more commonly used pedagogy (Greek: "child-leading").

Knowles' theory can be stated as four simple postulates:[1][2]

   1. Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction (Self-concept and Motivation to learn).
   2. Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities (Experience).
   3. Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life (Readiness to learn).
   4. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Orientation to learning).

The term has been used by some to allow a discussion of the difference between self directed and 'taught' education.[3]

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In the pedagogical model, the teacher has full responsibility for making decisions about what will be learned, how it will be learned, when it will be learned, and if the material has been learned. Pedagogy, or teacher-directed instruction as it is commonly known, places the student in a submissive role requiring obedience to the teacher's instructions. It is based on the assumption that learners need to know only what the teacher teaches them. The result is a teaching and learning situation that actively promotes dependency on the instructor (Knowles, 1984). 


". . . andragogy is simply another model of assumptions about adult learners to be used alongside the pedagogical model of assumptions, thereby providing two alternative models for testing out the assumptions as to their 'fit' with particular situations. Furthermore, the models are probably most useful when seen not as dichotomous but rather as two ends of a spectrum , with a realistic assumption (about learners) in a given situation falling in between the two ends" (Knowles, 1980, p. 43 ). 

TO ME, THIS SENTENCE REVEALS THE CRUX OF THE MATTER

Applied correctly, the andragogical approach to teaching and learning in the hands of a skilled and dedicated facilitator can make a positive impact on the adult learner. 

FACILITATOR - YEP !!!

MOST REVEALING Definitions of facilitator on the Web:

     * One who guides a discussion, activity, or course. May be the instructor, a guest lecturer, or a student. Not necessarily the same person for all course activities. Facilitator and moderator are, at times, used interchangeably. ...
      www.businessabilities.ca/

    * an instructor that guides student learning in an online environment.
      www.govst.edu/elearning/default.aspx

    * A non-subject specialist tutor who's primary purpose is to facilitate a learning group to get the most out of the learning process (similar to a tutor). ...
      bic.avnet.kuleuven.be/products/handbook/handbookchapters/05commonterms.html

    * There is a difference between a facilitator and advisor. Facilitators offer very little help in the design and selection of appropriate structure design and investment selection. They can point but helping with the details are generally not there expertise.
      www.myrealestateira.com/self_directed_ira_glossary.php

    * A person who makes it easier for others to learn and grow, or assists in and directs the implementation of processes, programs, and plans. ...
      www.interlinktc.com/public_html/definitions.html

    * The individual at a remote location responsible for performing assigned tasks designated by the instructor.
      www.mtholyoke.edu/lits/ris/vidconf/glossary.shtml