2016 Teaching Public Administration Conference Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration Newark, New Jersey May 24-25, 2016 Revisiting Andragogy (Adult Learning Theory) Principles to Improve the Instrumental Roles of Instructors in Online Discussions (OD) David L. Baker Professor, Department of Public Administration California State University, San Bernardino

Pedagogy versus Andragogy Common meaning of pedagogy: Teaching, or the work of a teacher Academic meaning of pedagogy: Discipline that deals with the theory & practice of teaching. Frequently viewed as a content model of instructor-centric education Andragogy: Transactional (process) model of adult learning that advocates student- centric learning 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

Pedagogy versus Andragogy Purity of contrast? Continuum Pedagogy ---------------------------------------------------------------- Andragogy Andragogy is flexibly tolerant & expects influences from: Individual & situational differences Differing goals & purposes for learning 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino Andragogy: Core Adult Learning Principles (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2011, pp. 63-67) Learner’s Knowledge Need: Why? 2) Learner’s Self-concept: Autonomous & self-directing 3) Learner’s Experience: Resources & mental model 4) Learner’s Readiness: Life related 5) Learner’s Orientation: Problem centered & contextual 6) Learner’s Motivation: Intrinsic & personal payoff 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

Marco View of Instructors’ Instrumental Roles in OD (Berge, 1995) Pedagogical Social Managerial Technical 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

Pedagogy Instrumental OD Role Andragogy Principles Addressed OD Strategies 2. Self-concept 3. Experience 5. Orientation 6. Motivation Planning & Organizing Determine OD strategic purpose Forum for student-centered content enrichment Opportunity to cover concepts with critical thinking 1. Knowledge need Introducing OD Course syllabus Assessment & consequences of non-participation Using Groups Simplifies navigational issues Groups increase student participation Spotlights the disengaged Knowledge need Self-concept Experience Setting Boundaries Promotes convenience while structure prods forward Comment classification (substantive v. responsive) Establishes benchmarks 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

Social Instrumental OD Role Andragogy Principles Addressed OD Strategies 1. Knowledge need 2. Self-concept 4. Readiness 5. Orientation Creating Comfort -Introductory forum builds community -User friendly, professional tone -Empower student connection & socialization -Facilitate interactions with content 6. Motivation B. Promoting Cohesiveness -OD supports interdependency success -Develops collaboration skills while addressing social loafing & free riding Readiness C. Preserving Presence -Instructor visibility & positive acknowledgements -Coax aloof into discussion -Continuous communication about student assessment D. Guiding Netiquette -Model politeness, professionalism, & diversity sensitivity -Address unprofessional OD comments -Minimize humor & sarcasm 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

Managerial Instrumental OD Role Andragogy Principles Addressed OD Strategies 1. Knowledge need 2. Self-concept Readiness 6. Motivation Enforce boundaries Exceptions problematic B. Employing “Icebreakers” Icebreakers address participation reticence C. Assessing Performance Assessment rubric use Quantitative & qualitative standards D. Handling Dysfunction Deal with dawdlers & difficult personalities Support success, catch something right & reinforce it Vigilant remedial action 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

Technical Instrumental OD Role Andragogy Principles Addressed OD Strategies 1. Knowledge need 2. Self-concept 6. Motivation Establishing Transparency Student-centric perspective with novice user competency Pre-course technical requirements Ongoing instructor training Supporting Learning Curve Patient assistance Difficulties subsides as experience accumulates Ungraded OD session to “coach to success” C. Supporting Technology Process guidance, technical tutorials, & “Help Desks” Embed support in OD platform D. Preparing for Contingencies Back up plans Alternative student Internet access 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino Revisiting Andragogy Principles to Improve the Instrumental Roles of Instructors in OD Concluding Comments Revisiting andragogy principles informs the instrumental roles of instructors in designing OD strategies that advance student learning Supplemental items to support your experimentation: Selected references OD assessment rubric 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino