Definition:  Andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn.

Historical Meaning:  Andragogy comes from the Greek word "anere" for adult and "agogus" the art and science of helping students learn.

Andragogy has taken on a broader meaning since Knowles' first definition and currently defines it as an alternative to pedagogy and refers to it as a learner-focused education for people of all ages.

Explanation:  Andragogy is an approach to learning and a system of concepts that is focused on the learner. The teacher, otherwise referred to as the andragogue, is the facilitator of learning rather than what we have historically viewed as the all-knowing dispenser of knowledge utilizing a preset curriculum with rigid guidelines. The experience is learner centered with the learner participating in the planning of the experience, by determining what needs to be learned, formulating the learning objectives, designing the learning plan, and evaluating their learning.