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Andragogy Evaluator

Score your training program based on Malcolm Knowles' 6 Principles of Adult Learning.

Evaluate your program (1 = Low, 5 = High)

1. The Need to Know
How clearly does the training explain WHY the learners need to learn this before starting?
Not clear at all
Extremely clear
2. Learner Self-Concept
Does the design treat the learner as a self-directed, capable adult allowing them autonomy (e.g. self-paced, branching)?
3. Role of Experience
How well does the training draw upon or connect to the learners' prior life and work experiences?
4. Readiness to Learn
Is the training timed appropriately so that learners can immediately apply it to their real-world jobs?
5. Orientation to Learning
Is the content task-centered or problem-centered, rather than strictly subject-centered?
6. Motivation
Does the training tap into internal motivators (e.g., increased self-esteem, better quality of life) rather than just external ones?

Andragogy Score

18 / 30
Average Alignment
Your training meets basic adult learning criteria, but could be improved by tying the content more directly to real-world problems and giving learners more autonomy.

Malcolm Knowles & Andragogy

Malcolm Knowles (1913–1997) was an American educator well known for the use of the term Andragogy as synonymous to adult education.

He famously contrasted it with pedagogy (the art and science of teaching children), arguing that adults learn differently and require a different instructional approach.

Why it matters:

If you treat adult learners like school children—by giving them no autonomy, ignoring their prior experience, or teaching theory without practical application—they will quickly disengage.

Use this tool during the Design Phase of ADDIE to ensure your storyboard respects the adult learner.