Exploring the Legacy of Andragogy
by Dr. Somanita Kheang, SCRC’s 2024 Alexander N. Charters Fellow
As an adult education educator, researcher, and lifelong learner, I was honored to spend two weeks in December 2024 at the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Syracuse University, supported by the Alexander N. Charters Adult Education Grants-in-Aid program. This remarkable journey was inspired by Dr. Charters, whom I first met at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education conference in Oklahoma in 2015. His encouragement to apply for this program has stayed with me, and his legacy continues to inspire many in the field. During my time at the SCRC, I focused my research on the history and evolution of andragogy—an essential theory in adult education.
Dr. Somanita Kheang stands in front of SCRC’s Reading Room desk.
My time at the SCRC provided an in-depth exploration of Malcolm Knowles' archives of andragogy, “the art and science of helping adults learn” (Knowles, 1980). Through research notes, syllabi, and workshop materials, I uncovered Knowles' invaluable insights that remain relevant to adult education today. For example, many of Knowles' andragogy materials emphasized fostering building relationship with learners and self-directed learning—concepts I now incorporate into my curriculum design. What began as a pursuit of andragogy's history transformed into a profound realization of how Knowles' work continues to shape my teaching and research. One of the highlights of my visit was reviewing Knowles' syllabi for his adult education courses, especially the "History of Adult Education in the U.S." I was impressed by the thoughtful selection of resources for students, which not only deepened my understanding of the subject but also inspired me to improve my own design of course syllabi in my adult and community education courses.
As I sifted through the 102-box archive, I uncovered key insights into Knowles' pioneering contributions to adult education and lifelong learning since the 1960s. Box 7 contains a comprehensive list of publications from the Adult Education Association of the U.S.A. (1962–1976), covering topics such as handbooks on adult education, conceptual frameworks, and the psychology of adults. These resources underscore the association's commitment to research and professional development, serving as valuable references for scholars and practitioners. In 1983, Knowles further advanced the discourse with his article “Creating Lifelong Learning Communities,” in which he suggested using the Andragogy vs. Pedagogy chart and Self-Directed Learning survey to better understand and accommodate adult learning needs and styles. I was particularly struck by how his revolutionary ideas around fostering self-directed learning and providing supportive, inclusive educational environments were remarkably ahead of their time, especially in addressing the unique needs of adult learners.
I greatly appreciate the SCRC staff for their warm welcome that truly made my visit memorable. Special thanks go to Max, Amy, Julia, and the entire team in SCRC Public Services for organizing my requested materials ahead of time and were very responsive to my questions—these made my research visit go so smoothly. I also loved the tranquil atmosphere of the reading room—it was the perfect spot for diving into my studies. I spent hours exploring resources and capturing over 10,000 photographs! Plus, taking breaks to enjoy the stunning view of the Syracuse University campus from the sixth floor was just the cherry on top.
I warmly invite educators, researchers, practitioners, and lifelong learners to explore the archives at the SCRC. You will discover rare collections, including the history, evolution, and key milestones of adult, community, and lifelong education. Engaging with these resources can spark new ideas and innovative approaches to your teaching, research, and service in the field.