Andragogical learning theory
Beginning in the 1950s Malcolm Knowles developed a new theory - which he called "Andragogy" - in the context of adult learners. This is often contrasted with the child's learning methods - pedagogical learning.
One among the key difference between pedagogical learning and andragogical learning is that the role of the educator is minimized. If someone fails to learn, it is not assumed to be the failure of the instructor.
The central idea in the context of adult learning is that it is only after convincing him- or herself of the rationale of learning that an adult will decide to learn. Hence, adults cannot be treated like children. Therefore it is assumed that workshops and seminars organized by the students themselves create a better learning environment than those organized externally .