Andragogy and Omniology

Andragogy and Omniology are at the core of AIU and are included in the university mission/vision statement defined in 1998. 

VISION: The empowerment of the individual towards the convergence of the world through a sustainable educational design based on andragogy and omniology.

The learning methods employed at the formative (elementary) and university level remain surprisingly similar at different levels and consistent across the last two centuries. Studies of human development demonstrate that on average humans are capable of full autonomous independent learning at around 16 years of age. 

Technology-aided learning has also revolutionized what can be achieved independently and the resources required to do so.  Despite this, academic institutions continue to follow learning and teaching methods based on pedagogy and the expert model of education even at the college and university level. 

To find solutions and solve today’s problems requires a different approach that we define as Andragogy and Omniology. These concepts bring academic freedom to the AIU program, are learning centered, goal-oriented, utilize practical (real world) learning, and bring to bear multidisciplinary knowledge and skills necessary to present sustainable solutions and innovation. 

By its nature, AIU and the andragogic learning model are sustainable in a way that supports the institution’s fundamental belief that higher education is a human right that should be accessible to everyone.

Andragogy – the ability of the human being to learn autonomously, self-monitoring, self-motivating, and self-evolving in the infinite abundance of health, money, love, and joy (pioneered by Malcolm Knowles).

Omniology – the study of everything, the interrelationship of multiple science fields, and the application of academic freedom in science. Omniologists are those who bring to bear multidisciplinary knowledge and skills.