introducing transformative learning theory

Summary

Transformative Learning Theory, initiated by Professor Jack Mezirow in 1975, explores how profound learning experiences alter an individual's perspectives and beliefs. It involves the reevaluation and reformulation of one's 'meaning perspectives' when faced with disorienting dilemmas that challenge existing beliefs. Mezirow's theory has evolved to include stages of transformative learning and considerations of emotional and social dimensions, offering a framework for educators to foster significant and lasting change in learners.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Transformative learning theory is designed to understand significant learning that profoundly changes the learner.
• 📚 It was originally formulated by Professor Jack Mezirow in 1975, based on research with women returners in an educational program.
• 🧠 Everyone has meaning perspectives shaped by upbringing and experiences, which are often taken for granted and seen as the way things are.
• 🕵️‍♂️ New knowledge is typically filtered through these existing meaning perspectives, adding to our existing worldview without transforming it.
• 🔍 Mezirow categorized meaning perspectives into personal/psychological, sociocultural/sociolinguistic, and epistemic.
• 🤔 Personal perspectives are beliefs about ourselves and our capabilities; sociocultural perspectives are beliefs about societal structures; epistemic perspectives are beliefs about knowledge itself.
• 🌪️ Transformative learning occurs when new knowledge or experiences don't fit into our existing perspectives, leading to disorienting dilemmas.
• 🛠️ To manage these dilemmas, learners must reformulate their meaning perspectives, changing assumptions and reshaping beliefs, which can be both painful and difficult.
• 📈 Mezirow described transformative learning as a 10-stage process, though the script only provides an overview of the initial formulation.
• 📘 The model has been further developed to include relearning, learning in relation to others, feminist critiques, critical social theory, and emotional dimensions.
• 📚 For further reading, the script recommends Patricia Cranston's 2006 work and the edited handbook by Edie Taylor and Patricia Cranston on transformative learning theory and practice.

Q & A

What is transformative learning theory?

Transformative learning theory is an educational approach developed to understand significant learning that profoundly and lastingly changes the learner. It was initially formulated by Professor Jack Mezirow in 1975.

Who originally formulated transformative learning theory?

Professor Jack Mezirow originally formulated transformative learning theory in 1975.

What was the basis of Mezirow's initial research for transformative learning theory?

Mezirow's initial research was based on his work with women returners in an educational program in the U.S.

What are the three types of meaning perspectives that Mezirow identified?

The three types of meaning perspectives are personal or psychological, sociocultural or sociolinguistic, and epistemic.

How do personal or psychological meaning perspectives relate to an individual's beliefs?

Personal or psychological meaning perspectives are beliefs about ourselves and what we can or cannot do, shaping our self-concept and actions.

What do sociocultural or sociolinguistic meaning perspectives represent?

Sociocultural or sociolinguistic meaning perspectives represent our beliefs about the world, society, and its organization, including views on class, race, gender, and economics.

What are epistemic meaning perspectives?

Epistemic meaning perspectives are our beliefs about what knowledge is and how it's constructed, such as the belief in objective and absolute knowledge.

What is a disorienting dilemma in transformative learning?

A disorienting dilemma occurs when new knowledge or experiences do not fit into our existing meaning perspectives, challenging our sense of self, understanding of the world, or certainties about knowledge.

How does transformative learning involve the reformulation of meaning perspectives?

Transformative learning involves reformulating meaning perspectives by making them more inclusive, changing assumptions, and reshaping underlying beliefs, which can be both painful and difficult.

What are some resources for further understanding of transformative learning theory?

Good starting points for further understanding include Patricia Cranton's 2006 book 'Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning' and the edited handbook 'Transformative Learning in Action: Insights from Practice' by E. Taylor and Patricia Cranton.

How has transformative learning theory evolved since Mezirow's initial formulation?

The theory has evolved to include considerations of relearning, learning in relation to others, feminist critiques, critical social theory, and emotional or affective dimensions of learning.