Who is credited with popularizing Adult Learning Theory?

Malcolm Knowles is credited with popularizing Adult Learning Theory, also known as andragogy. He articulated key principles that distinguish adult learning from that of children, highlighting that adults are self-directed learners who bring a wealth of experience to the learning process. Knowles identified several assumptions about adult learners, such as their need to understand why they need to learn something, their readiness to learn based on life experiences, and their intrinsic motivation to apply knowledge to real-world problems.

While John Dewey had a significant impact on education and learning theories, particularly with his emphasis on experiential learning, he did not specifically focus on adult learning as Knowles did. Albert Bandura is well-known for his work in social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy but does not specifically pertain to adult education theories. Jean Piaget’s work mainly revolves around cognitive development in children and does not address adult learning in the same context.

Therefore, the recognition of Malcolm Knowles for his contributions significantly shapes the understanding and practices related to adult education and learning. His work has become foundational in the field, making him the prominent figure associated with Adult Learning Theory.