1.      Andragogy is the subject that studies adult education.

2.      This term is in contraposition with pedagogy (child and young adult education).

3.       The andragogic approach, therefore, tests routes strictly related to the specific personality of an adult.

4.      The American Malcolm Knowles has defined the principle elements which characterize andragogy:

a) Favors adult learning through the stimulating in the subject a �need� to know.
b) Favors adult learning through the subject's experiences.
c) Respects the learner's concept of self and the need for autonomy.
d) Makes reference to the actual life of the adult.
e) Motivates learning through fulfilling the internal needs of the adult, such as the desire for more satisfaction from their work, enhanced self-esteem, better quality of life, etc.

5.      According to these modern principles the teaching approach should be of the communicative type and at the same time lucid so as to stimulate the curiosity of reacting to the �internal needs� of the adult.

6.      The adoption of the modern andragogic principles can be operatively realized with the �eclectic� method, but be careful: only using the eclectic method, as often can happen, doesn't mean using and following modern andragogic principles. The eclectic method can be used without adhering to the andragogic principles; on the other hand, the adoption of modern andragogic principles presents a specific preparation and competence.

7.      Operatively using the eclectic method, the functional aspect of the methodology is preferred, not neglecting aspects of morphology, syntax and lexical enrichment.

8.      The activities will be varied and above all motivational for the active involvement of the student, using "problem solving" research methods.