The Learning Ladder Every L&D Leader Should Climb

Pedagogy, Andragogy & Heutagogy , no matter how you pronounce them, this blog looks to connect their principles with behaviour through the DISA Model at BMBYOU.

At BMBYOU, we’re all about making learning personal. Whether I’m working 1:1 with a client, supporting a team’s development, or building a behavioural programme for an organisation, one thing stays true... how we learn is just as important as what we learn.

That’s why it’s time we unpack three terms that often get thrown around but rarely land with clarity.

Each describes a different stage in learning maturity. When you overlay them with the DISA Behavioural Model, you get a roadmap for designing learning that is both human and effective.

Let’s make this easy to digest and easy to remember.

1. Pedagogy

Pronounced: /ˈpeh·duh·go·jee/

“Teaching children” – structured, directive learning

• Pedagogy comes from the Greek words paid (child) and agogos (leader). It is where most of us start: a teacher or trainer leads, the learner follows. Think timetables, rules, textbooks and tests.

Key traits:

- Teacher-centred
- Fixed curriculum
- External motivation (grades, gold stars, approval)
- Best for foundational knowledge

DISA match:

Perfect for Green (Steadfast) behavioural types who thrive with clarity, predictability and step-by-step guidance

2. Andragogy

Pronounced: /ˈan·druh·go·jee/

“Teaching adults” – self-directed and practical learning

Coined by Malcolm Knowles, andragogy recognises that adults are not empty vessels. They bring experience, expectations, and an urge to understand why they are learning. It is more coaching, less lecturing.

Key traits:

Learner-centred
Experience-driven
Problem-solving focus
Relevance and real-life application matter

DISA match:

Ideal for both Yellow (Influential) and Blue (Analytical) styles.

- Yellows love social, collaborative learning environments.
- Blues need structure, logic, and deep understanding.

3. Heutagogy

Pronounced: /ˈhyoo·tuh·go·jee/ or /ˈyoo·tuh·go·jee/

“Self-determined learning” – learning how to learn

Heutagogy is the most learner empowered of the three. It is non linear, exploratory and built on capability, not just competence. Learners define the journey, choose the tools and reflect on their own progress.

Sound familiar? It is the mindset behind MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). YouTube learning, AI tutors and the self-taught coder in your team.

Key traits:

Learner-led and autonomous
Emphasis on reflection, curiosity, critical thinking

Non-linear and exploratory
Perfect for lifelong learning and rapidly changing environments

DISA match:

Tailored for Red (Dominant) behavioural styles who want to set their own pace, choose their challenge's and chase results on their terms.

Remember It Like This: The P.A.H. Ladder

Here is your simple mental hook:

Pedagogy – Push me

Andragogy – Partner with me

Heutagogy – Let me lead

Each step builds on the last. As learners mature, and as behaviour shifts, we move from instruction to collaboration to independence.

Why It Matters (Especially Now)

If you’re in Learning and Development, training, coaching, or leadership, this is not just theory. It is strategy.

When you understand how people learn and how they behave, you design learning that lands, lasts and leads to change.

At BMBYOU, this is how we work:

We use the DISA Model to understand behavioural styles:

Red = Dominant

Yellow = Influential

Green = Steadfast

Blue = Analytical

We then align the learning approach: pedagogical, andragogical, or heutagogical
and we tailor the pace, tone and tools based on behavioural insight

Whether you are rolling out a leadership programme, training future coaches or building culture, this model brings your L&D to life.

Personal Note: We All Start Somewhere

When I first began my formal teaching journey through the First Steps to Teaching and the PGCertHEP at Ulster University, I will be honest. If it were not for Ruth Mercer, my supervisor, I would have been completely tongue-tied and confused at every essay, every hurdle and every reflective prompt. Ruth had this brilliant way of knowing when to offer structure (a bit of pedagogy), when to let me explore and own the process (a healthy dose of andragogy), and when to challenge me to think for myself (definitely heutagogy in action). Looking back, it wasn’t just academic learning. It was behaviourally aligned learning, and that made all the difference.

Your Next Step: Let’s Build Smarter Learning Together

If you’re ready to:

Move beyond one-size-fits-all training
Design learning that adapts to both mindset and behaviour
Create a culture where people actually want to learn

Then let’s talk.

Visit www.bmbyou.com

Or message me directly. Whether you’re curious, coaching, or ready to co-create something transformational.

Because better learning starts with understanding. And understanding starts with behaviour.