CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING HEUTAGOGY

Abstract

Heutagogy, or self-determined learning, represents a transformative shift in education and training by emphasizing learner autonomy, reflection, and capability development. It extends beyond traditional pedagogy and andragogy, empowering individuals to identify their learning goals, resources, and evaluation methods. This learner-centered approach thrives in diverse contexts, including vocational training, higher education, and organizational management, fostering adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking. This chapter explores the principles, applications, challenges, and strategies associated with heutagogy, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize education in a technology-driven world. By fostering independence, adaptability, and lifelong learning skills, heutagogy prepares learners to navigate complex and dynamic environments. Strategies to overcome these obstacles include gamification, incremental shifts to self-directed learning, and meta-cognitive training to increase learner readiness. Professional development in heutagogy and digital pedagogy, as well as access to encouraging networks and success stories that boost confidence, are essential for educators. Institutional reforms are essential; they support flexible curriculum, heutagogical-aligned policies, and pilot programs to test new approaches. With its ability to improve digital literacy, provide access to open educational resources, and use AI to customise learning experiences, technology is essential.