Pedagogy and Andragogy - What's the Difference?

For centuries the most commonly accepted approach towards teaching and learning was pedagogical in nature. The Greek roots of the word pedagogy are ped or child, plus agogos which means to lead. A literal interpretation would be to lead a child. By definition pedagogy is the art, science, or profession of teaching. This is the design most of us are familiar with as we recall our own educational experiences as young children and young adults.

Andragogy, on the other hand, refers to the art or science of helping adults learn. The Greek roots of this term, andro meaning man - or adult - and agogos to lead, literally means to lead a man or adult.

Interested in comparing and contrasting the differences between the andragogical and pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning? Click on the following links. You may wish to print these resources and include them in your resource folder.

Andragogy VS Pedagogy

 Selected Moments of the 20th Century

Let's test your knowledge. Click here to open an exercise!