Exploring the Principles of Andragogy: Some Comparison of University and Community College Learning Experiences

Abstract

The learning experiences of 740 University and Community College students from various programs have been examined from the andragogical perspective. Through the analysis of fifteen aspects of the learning process, discrepancies of real and expected learning experiences were traced to institutional, program and individual characteristics. While the principles of andragogy remain valid as instructional guidelines for postsecondary institutions, the present findings draw attention to the importance of intellectual maturity as a basic source for organizing meaningful learning for adult students.