From Classroom to College: Andragogy Uncovered

Making the move from K-12 teaching into higher education or adult learning can feel exciting and intimidating at the same time. I know it did for me. In this first episode, I talk honestly about what that transition looks like and why understanding andragogy matters if you’re thinking about teaching adults.I explore the key principles of andragogy and how they differ from the pedagogical approaches many of us relied on in K-12 classrooms. Adult learners bring experience, clear goals, and a need for relevance into the learning space, and teaching them well requires a shift in mindset not just new strategies.I also share a few andragogical best practices that have shaped my thinking, including supporting self-directed learning, grounding instruction in real-world experience, and focusing on immediate application. Along the way, I highlight examples of adult education programs where these approaches led to stronger engagement and meaningful learning outcomes.Finally, I speak openly about my own concerns and hesitations as I continue developing instructional expertise in adult learning. Letting go of control, balancing flexibility with rigor, and redefining my role as a facilitator rather than the center of instruction have all been part of the journey.If you’re a K-12 educator curious about higher education, adult learning, or simply rethinking how learning works for adults, this episode is a place to start.