ANALYZING THE ANDRAGOGY PRINCIPLES TO BOOST LITERACY SKILLS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Literacy is a fundamental skill that university students should master to reach greater
academic achievement. Dealing with university students requires a certain approach
and learning theory. The influence of the andragogy theory by Knowles in teaching
university students cannot be ruled out. This research aims to analyze the andragogy
principles in teaching and learning activities of sixth-semester students in the
research methodology course of English Language Education, The Faculty of
Teacher Training and Pedagogy, Dwijendra University. This research is qualitative
research where the data were collected from in-depth observation and interviews
with an English lecturer. The data were analyzed qualitatively by referring to
Knowles' (1984) principles of andragogy which include (1) adults need to be involved
in the planning and evaluation of their instruction, (2) experience provides the basis
for the learning activities, (3) adults are most interested in learning subjects that have
immediate relevance and impact to their job or personal life, and (4) adult learning is
problem-centered rather than content-oriented. The finding shows that the principles
have been inserted in various learning activities to boost the literacy skills of sixthsemester students. The data shows that principles are potentially beneficial to
dealing with university students due to their learning styles and students’
characteristics.