Page 12 - III.D.3-BBA-Student-Handbook

Andragogic Principles
In 1980, Malcolm Shepherd Knowles (1913 – 1997) made four assumptions about the
characteristics of adult learners (andragogy) that are different from the assumptions about child
learners (pedagogy). In 1984, Knowles added the 5th assumption.

The Swiss School of Management's motto, "We Create Leaders," has inspired us to introduce a
sixth principle that applies to our educational programs for students. Each of these principles
plays a vital role in shaping the educational experience at SSM:

Self-Concept: SSM students possess a mature and secure self-concept, empowering them to
actively participate in directing their own learning. Recognizing their status as self-directed
adults, we believe it is essential to involve students in shaping the content and processes of their
education. To ensure continuous improvement, we highly value student feedback. As such, we
request students to provide their input through questionnaires during and at the conclusion of
each module, covering various aspects such as module quality, learning content, instructors, and
module organization.

Past Learning Experience: SSM students bring valuable professional experiences to their
learning journey. Acknowledging the wealth of knowledge they already possess, our focus at SSM
is to build upon their existing foundations.

Readiness to Learn: SSM students have reached a point where they recognize the value of
education and are committed to approaching learning with seriousness and focus. To facilitate
readiness to learn, we employ innovative tools and approaches. For example, our flexible learning
options allow students to complete their educational programs either online, offline, or through
a blended approach that combines both.

Practical Reasons to Learn: SSM students are motivated by practical, problem-centered
approaches to learning, which aligns with our educational philosophy. Many students choose to
continue their education at SSM for practical reasons and to explore new fields. Consequently, our
learning contents are centered around issues relevant to students' professional work or personal
expectations. Rather than emphasizing rote memorization, our focus is on developing problem-
solving skills.

Driven by Internal Motivation: At SSM, students are not solely influenced by external factors but
are driven by internal motivations as well. In recognition of the diverse interests and aspirations
of our student body, we provide opportunities for specialization across various fields, enabling
students to pursue their individual passions.

The Application of Leadership Skills: Upon completion of their studies, SSM students possess
a range of essential leadership skills. These skills include effective communication, team
motivation, delegation of responsibilities, attentive listening, and adaptability to navigate the
dynamic nature of the workplace. Employers actively seek these attributes when considering
candidates for leadership roles. By adhering to these principles, we strive to create a
transformative educational experience that prepares our students to become exceptional leaders
in their respective fields.

10 | Version 6 adopted May 16, 2024