Leveling Up Adult Learning: Integrating Knowles' Andragogical Principles with Gamification Techniques

Gamification has been proven an effective and engaging method for adult learners. This method, as discussed in other blog posts, creates a dynamic learning environment where adults can thrive and restore their love for learning.

While gamification for adult education is a productive approach, it still has numerous areas in need of improvement. This is where Knowles' pedagogical principles come into play.

Based on Andragogy, understood as the science and art of adult learning, Knowles’ principles align with the basic structure of gamification and can be used as a compass when designing activities, online courses, and apps to promote adult learning. The principles are as follows:

Need to Know

To make learning as efficient and as productive as possible, adult learners should know and understand the importance of learning the topic at hand. In this case, gamification can provide clear incentives and rewards, showing learners the value of engaging. This incentive can be presented in the form of points, badges, or leaderboards.

Foundation

Adult learning should be an experience-based experience. Not only has it been proven time and time again that active learning is way more effective than passive learning activities—which include reading and listening to lectures, among others—but also active learning strategies encourage learners to make mistakes, providing a basis for their learning experience. All these can be easily implemented through gamification systems like the one implemented by Duolingo, where players are encouraged to repeat the exercises where they made mistakes, succeeding in engaging the learners as well as encouraging them to correct their mistakes.

Self-concept

We must remember that unlike children, adults already have the capacity to make informed decisions and act consciously. That’s why it is crucial to involve them in the planning and execution of their learning activities. This flexibility and practicality is easily achieved through gamification, as it allows adults to access the apps, games, and courses and complete them at their pace.

Readiness

Being that adult life comes with many responsibilities, adults should find value in whatever they are learning; it should be relevant to their daily lives, their interests, or their goals. This question should be kept in mind when designing learning games for adults, as they should be enjoyable and quick, and the connection and application of the contents learned should be intrinsically related to the skills needed.

Orientation

Adult learning, as we’ve insisted through this blog post, should be engaging and practical. Therefore, problem-solving is a much more useful approach rather than content-centered strategies. Engaging meaningfully by posing and answering realistic questions and problems is essential. Gamification naturally aligns with a problem-solving approach; it provides a more interactive and practical approach, helping learners to apply what they've discovered in a realistic context.

Motivation

Adults respond better to internal motivators, such as self-actualization, self-confidence, or recognition, rather than external factors. This can present an issue as motivation can be frail compared to discipline. Gamification also proves itself useful in this area, as it serves as an external motivator designed to fuel this internal motivation. It provides serotonin and a feeling of instant reward, which easily hooks players and learners alike.

In conclusion, gamification serves as a powerful tool in adult education by aligning with Knowles' andragogical principles to create an effective learning environment.

By incorporating elements like rewards, active learning, or problem-solving, gamification captures the attention of adult learners while also enhancing their motivation and retention.

As we continue to explore new ways to support adult education, integrating these principles with gamified elements can bridge the gaps and foster a learning experience that is both enjoyable and productive.