Does Pedagogy Still Rule?

Abstract

AbstrackTheories on teaching and learning for adult learners are constantly being reviewed and discussed in the higher educational environment. Theories are not static and appear to be in a constant developmental process. This paper discusses three of these theories: pedagogy, andragogy and heutagogy. It is argued that although educators engage in many of the principles of either student-centered (andragogy) and self-determined (heutagogy) learning, it is not possible to fully implement either theory. The two main limitations are the requirements of both internal and external stakeholders, such as accrediting bodies and requirements to assess all student learning. A reversion to teacher-centered learning (pedagogy) ensues. In summary, we engage in many action-oriented learning activities but revert to teacher-centered approaches in terms of content and assessment. Additional informationNotes on contributorsM McAuliffeMarisha McauliffeMarisha McAuliffe is a PhD student and lecturer in the School of Design, Faculty of Built Environment & Engineering, Queensland University of Technology. She teaches within the disciplines of design. Her PhD research interests lie within the fields of presence research, digital technology, interior architecture and design, and teaching and learning. Her other research interests involve design in microgravity and extreme environments.D HargreavesDoug HargreavesProf Doug Hargreaves is Head of School of Engineering Systems within the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering at Queensland University of Technology. He has been appointed Deputy National President of Engineers Australia for 2009 and will take on the role of National President in 2010. His research interests fall within the discipline of tribology (friction, lubrication and wear) and the education of engineering undergraduates.A WinterAbbe WinterAbbe Winter is in the Office of Teaching in the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology. She is currently undertaking postgraduate research into change management.G ChadwickGary ChadwickDr Gary Chadwick is a lecturer in the School of Engineering Systems at Queensland University of Technology. He is a mechanical engineer with expertise in computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis and stress analysis.