Adult Learner Theory in Physical Therapy Residency Programs: Strategies to Foster Effective Residency Education

Purpose: This educational perspective manuscript discusses the concept of andragogy, or adult learner theory, in residency education for physical therapists. Physical therapy residency programs serve as a principal pathway to clinical specialization. Physical therapy residents possess unique educational needs as they are autonomous practitioners engaged in patient care. Learner-centered educational theory, with an emphasis on characteristics of the adult learner, can serve as a guide to developing and implementing effective residency educational programming. Andragogy in its historical and current applications are described with proposed strategies for incorporating key tenets of adult learner theory into residency education and linking it with characteristics unique to physical therapy residents. Successful implementation of adult learner theory in other allied health postprofessional pathways is described. Master adaptive learner theory, another learner-centered educational approach, is also introduced with its parallels to andragogy. Results: Andragogy sheds light on key characteristics of physical therapist residents to shape residency education. Physical therapist residents are self-directed, intrinsically motivated, problem-based learners whose experience is valuable in their knowledge advancement. Conclusion: Andragogy is an educational theory that can guide educators in addressing the unique and diverse needs of the physical therapist resident. Consideration of adult learner theory serves as a vital tool in physical therapy residency program development.