Dr. Malcolm Knowles' theory can be stated with six assumptions related to motivation of adult learning:
Adults need to know the reason for learning something (Need to Know)
Experience (including error) provides the basis for learning activities (Foundation).
Adults need to be responsible for their decisions on education; involvement in the planning and evaluation of their instruction (Self-concept).
Adults are most interested in learning subjects having immediate relevance to their work and/or personal lives (Readiness).
Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Orientation).
Adults respond better to internal versus external motivators (Motivation).
The term has been used by some to allow discussion of contrast between self-directed and 'taught’ education. 1966, Knowles met Dusan Savicevic in Boston. Savicevic shared the term andragogy with Knowles, and explained how it was used in the European context. In 1967, Knowles made use of the term "androgogy" to explain his theory of adult education. Then, after consulting Merriam-Webster, he corrected the spelling of the term to "andragogy" and continued to make use of the term to explain his collection of ideas about adult learning. (Sopher 2003). While obtaining my Bachelor of Science and my Master of Arts degrees my adult learning experiences were appreciated and validated, I was able to earn coleg credits for my life experiences. I highlight the theroy of Andragogy because I agree with the concept of practically, and the benefits of self awareness.