How Heutagogy revolutionizes learning

Heutagogy is best described as the study of self-determined learning. Some experts view it as a progression from earlier educational models. As times change, new trends emerge. The most significant trend since the use of traditional educational models, such as pedagogy and andragogy, is the internet. Thanks to the internet, information is readily and easily accessible. But the internet is not the only reason why we should consider new educational methodologies. We live in a world where change is so rapid that traditional methods of education are often rendered inadequate or insufficient.  Learning is progressively aligned with what we do and our social roles. Technological advances require the immediacy of learning and flexible learning practices in modern organizations. Heutagogy is an innovative approach that addresses the deficiencies of pedagogy and andragogy. Experts also describe it as an extension to andragogy, as my last blog post suggested.

Traditional education can be viewed as a pedagogic relationship between the teacher and the learner. The teacher has always been the person funneling information into the brains of his students. He decides what the learner needs to know and how knowledge and skills should be taught. Heutagogy allows the learner or student to decide what’s relevant and should be learned. The teacher serves as facilitator for learning and provides resources. The actual learning process and instructional design is left to the learner. This allows him to not only learn new content and skills, but also to learn about the learning process.

The exponential growth of information, especially on the internet, but also through books, vocational training, seminars, etc. suggests that we should be looking at a new approach where the learner designs the course. Heutagogy does exactly that and more. Another important component is metacognitive reflection that takes place in heutagogy. It allows the learner to question his or her values and assumptions as he learns and adds to his experience. The same process is described in double loop learning.

I think that heutagogy requires cognitive maturity and a true desire to learn. This desire can be fueled by the need of a certain skill required for a person’s social/professional role or simply personal interest. I can’t emphasize how much times have changed. You can virtually learn anything you like through books or the internet. When pedagogy was the primary educational method among trainers and learners, acquiring knowledge and new skills simply wasn’t as easy as it is now. We clearly take the internet and the amount of information for granted. In all fairness, the internet seems overwhelming at times, but we shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to find a way to make sense of all this information. Another reason why research into heutagogy is essential to learning in the twenty-first century.