International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

search-icon

Application of Andragogical Theory in Language and Communication Learning among Adults

Open access

Norasyikin Osman, Norhayati Che Hat, Mohd Shahrizal Nasir, Mohd Ala-Uddin Othman, Mohd Firdaus Yahaya

Pages 1186-1194 Received: 18 Oct, 2025 Revised: 08 Nov, 2025 Published Online: 29 Nov, 2025

http://dx.doi.org/10.46886/IJARBSS/v15-i11/19485
This paper discusses the application of andragogical theory in language and communication learning among adults. Language learning today extends beyond the mastery of grammar and vocabulary; it also emphasizes the development of authentic communication competence relevant to real-life, professional, and social contexts. Drawing upon Malcolm Knowles’ six core principles of andragogy—namely the need to know, self-concept, experience, readiness to learn, problem-based orientation, and intrinsic motivation—this article elaborates on how these principles strengthen the effectiveness of language learning. The discussion also highlights key challenges, such as time constraints, varying levels of digital literacy, and difficulties in aligning traditional curricula with adult learning principles. Furthermore, the paper explores the future direction of language education through the integration of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and adaptive learning systems. Overall, the discussion demonstrates that andragogy-based language learning has the potential to enhance adult communication in the context of globalization, making the learning process more flexible, meaningful, and effective.
Arutmayanti, D., & Hiryanto, H. (2023). Collaborative learning in adult language education: Cultural and communicative perspectives. Journal of Language Pedagogy, 45(2), 122–138.
Brookfield, S. (2023). Understanding adult learning: Critical perspectives in theory and practice. Routledge.
Byram, M. (2021). Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence. Multilingual Matters.
Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1–47.
Figueroa, R., & Jung, H. (2025). Virtual reality in adult education: Enhancing communication through simulation. International Journal of Educational Technology, 31(1), 50–66.
Horwitz, E. K. (2017). Becoming a language teacher: A practical guide to second language learning and teaching. Pearson.
Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. Cambridge Books.
Lisnawati, E., & Ruslan, A. (2024). Experience-based learning in adult second language acquisition. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Adult Education, 18(3), 202–217.
Mansour, A., Ravindran, S., & Lee, J. (2024). Digital transformation in post-pandemic adult education. Computers & Education, 192, 104678.
St. Clair, R., & Käpplinger, B. (2024). Revisiting andragogy: Theory, research, and practice in adult learning. Adult Education Quarterly, 74(2), 87–102.
Osman, N., Hat, N. C., Nasir, M. S., Othman, M. A.-U., & Yahaya, M. F. (2025). Application of Andragogical Theory in Language and Communication Learning among Adults. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(11), 1186–1194.