Knowles (Malcolm Knowles)

Malcolm Knowles was an American educator known for developing the theory of adult learning, called andragogy. He believed that adults learn differently than children—they are more self-directed, bring life experiences to their learning, and prefer practical, problem-solving approaches. Knowles emphasized that effective adult education should respect these unique traits, focusing on relevance, autonomy, and practicality. His work has greatly influenced how training and education programs are designed for adults, making learning more effective and engaging by aligning methods with adult learners’ needs and motivations.