Knowles’ theory of andragogy is an attempt to develop a theory specifically for adult learning. Knowles emphasizes that adults are self-directed and expect to take responsibility for decisions. Adult learning programs must accommodate this fundamental aspect.

Malcolm Knowles' Theory

Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: (1) Adults need to know why they need to learn something (2) Adults need to learn experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value.

Andragogy Model

Andragogy applies to any form of adult learning and has been used extensively in the design of organizational training programs (especially for “soft skill” domains such as <a href="http://instructionaldesign.org/domains/management/">management development </a>).

Application

<ol><li>There is a need to explain why specific things are being taught (e.g., certain commands, functions, operations, etc.)</li><li>Instruction should be task-oriented instead of memorization — learning activities should be in the context of common tasks to be performed.</li><li>Instruction should take into account the wide range of different backgrounds of learners; learning materials and activities should allow for different levels/types of previous experience with computers.</li><li>Since adults are self-directed, instruction should allow learners to discover things for themselves, providing guidance and help when needed.</li></ol>

Application 

Understanding your audience is critical to lighting up their passion for learning.

career

Career

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

education

Learning & Education

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles) - InstructionalDesign.org

Understanding ideal crew configuration is vital to maintain EMS systems. There’s a lack of evidence demonstrating the need for a second ALS provider on a general ALS response. Implications of overstaffing may result in more patient care errors and draining of financial resources which could be spent on additional state-of-the-art medical equipment or number of units resulting in better system performance and patient care.A study conducted with the Mississippi Department of Health evaluated the volume-outcome relationship of paramedics.14 This 14-year study estimated the relationship between experience accumulation and performance of paramedics who responded to approximately 175,000 general trauma calls. A greater volume of paramedic experience was significantly related to reduced total prehospital time and time on scene. The authors concluded that retention of skills is accomplished by increased volume.A 2010 study of 10,298 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests evaluated whether more paramedics (three or more vs. two paramedics) resulted in improved outcomes. No difference was found in survival to discharge, and return of spontaneous circulation wasn’t associated with a greater number of paramedics.15 A similar paper evaluated two paramedic vs. single paramedic crews in simulated cardiac arrest scenarios. They found that additional paramedics on the crews resulted in more errors than with single paramedic crews.16

How Many Medics Does It Take...

Understanding ideal crew configuration is vital to maintain EMS systems from a financial, legal and patient care perspective. This article gives an overview of the evidence as well as the cost implications for different combinations of providers.

Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles) - InstructionalDesign.org

Ambulance Crew Configuration: Are Two Paramedics Better Than One? - JEMS

Nathan Mork