Transformative Learning Theory – Is It Tıme to Add A Fourth Core Element?

Frances Maureen Schnepfleitner, Marco Paulo Ferreira

Abstract


The aim of this paper is to present a research-based analysis on the Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning, by first outlining the foundations of the theory and its status and trends, and then highlighting the role played on adult education by the core elements of transformative learning: critical reflection, dialogue, and individual experience. The concept of this essay is to present the current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions on Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning. This essay reviews the collective evidence of the theory of transformative learning, looking for similarities and differences on competing theories. The analysis shows that none of the core elements of transformative learning stand-alone, but each supports and enhances the rest, suggesting a more holistic approach to future research. While these elements must be present for transformative learning to occur, a new and lesser researched element - the context – is suggested. By developing awareness and appreciation of personal and sociocultural context, educators can better facilitate transformative learning situations within existing contextual constraints. The need to help learners actively participate and engage with the concepts presented in the context is the key message to be taken from Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Baumgartner, L.M. (2012). Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning from 1975 to present. In Taylor, E. W., & Cranton, P. (Eds.). The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Brock, S. E. (2010). Measuring the Importance of Precursor Steps to Transformative Learning. Adult Education Quarterly, 60(2), 122–142. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713609333084

Brookfield, S. (2011). Engaging critical reflection in corporate America. In Mezirow, J., & Taylor, E. W. (Eds.). Transformative Learning in Practice: Insights from Community, Workplace, and Higher Education. John Wiley & Sons.

Christie, M., Carey, M., Robertson, A., & Grainger, P. (2015). Putting transformative learning theory into practice. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 55(1), 9–30.

Ciporen, R. (2008). The role of personally transformative learning in leadership development: A case study examining the transfer of learning from an executive education program (Ed.D.). Teachers College, Columbia University, United States -- New York. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liv.ac.uk/dissertations/docview/304626813/abstract/357C1A6AB292408BPQ/1?accountid=12117

Clark, M.C. & Wilson, A. (1991). Context and rationality in Mezirow’s theory of transformational learning. Adult Education Quarterly 41(2), 75 – 91. https://doi.org/10.1177/0001848191041002002

Cranton, P. & Taylor, E.W. (2012). Transformative learning theory: Seeking a more unified theory. In Taylor, E. W., & Cranton, P. (Eds.). The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Dirkx, J. M. (2012). Self-Formation and Transformative Learning: A Response to ‘Calling Transformative Learning into Question--Some Mutinous Thoughts,’ by Michael Newman. Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory, 62(4), 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713612456420

Dirkx, J. M., Mezirow, J., & Cranton, P. (2006). Musings and Reflections on the Meaning, Context, and Process of Transformative Learning: A Dialogue Between John M. Dirkx and Jack Mezirow. Journal of Transformative Education, 4(2), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344606287503

Dix, M. (2016). The Cognitive Spectrum of Transformative Learning. Journal of Transformative Education, 14(2), 139–162. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344615621951

Fullerton, J. R. (2010). Transformative learning in college students: A mixed methods study. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cehsdiss/65/

Isopahkala-Bouret, U. (2008). Transformative learning in managerial role transitions. Studies in Continuing Education, 30(1), 69–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/01580370701841556

Keeling, R. P. (Ed.). (2004). Learning reconsidered: A campus-wide focus on the student experience. Washington, DC: The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).

Kegan, R. (2009). What “form” transforms? A constructive-developmental approach to transformative learning. In Illeris, K. (Ed.), Contemporary Theories of Learning: Learning Theorists ... In Their Own Words. Routledge.

Kitchenham, A. (2006). Teachers and Technology: A Transformative Journey. Journal Of Transformative Education, 4(3), 202–225. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344606290947

Kitchenham, A. (2008). The Evolution of John Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory. Journal of Transformative Education, 6(2), 104–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344608322678

Kucukaydin, I., & Cranton, P. (2012). Critically Questioning the Discourse of Transformative Learning Theory. Adult Education Quarterly, 63(1), 43–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713612439090

Lewis, M. N. (2009). Transformative Learning in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community an Ethnographic Study examining how and in what ways transformative learning is realized and lived out among members of an MS community. National-Louis University, ProQuest, UMI Dissertations Publishing, 7.

Malkki, K. (2010). Building on Mezirow’s Theory of Transformative Learning: Theorizing the Challenges to Reflection. Journal of Transformative Education, 8(1), 42–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344611403315

Malkki, K., & Green, L. (2014). Navigational Aids: The Phenomenology of Transformative Learning. Journal of Transformative Education, 12(1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344614541171

Mathis, D. (2010). Transformational learning: Challenging assumptions in the workplace. Development and Learning in Organisations, 24(3), 8–10. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281011037227

Mezirow, J. (1990). Fostering critical reflection in adulthood. Jossey-Bass San Francisco. Retrieved from: http://wwwprod.ln.edu.hk/osl/conference2011/output/breakout/4.4%20%5Bref%5DHow%20Critical%20Reflection%20triggers%20Transformative%20Learning%20-%20Mezirow.pdf

Mezirow, J. (1994). Understanding Transformation Theory. Adult Education Quarterly, 44(4), 222–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171369404400403

Mezirow, J. (1997). Transformative learning: Theory to practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, (74), 5–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ace.7401

Mezirow, J. (1998). On Critical Reflection. Adult Education Quarterly, 48(3), 185–198. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171369804800305

Mezirow, J. (2009). An overview on transformative learning. In Illeris, K., (Ed.), Contemporary Theories of Learning: Learning Theorists ... In Their Own Words, 90-105. Routledge.

Mezirow, J. (2011). Transformative learning theory. In Mezirow, J., & Taylor, E. W. (Eds.) and Associates, Transformative Learning in Practice: Insights from Community, Workplace, and Higher Education. John Wiley & Sons.

Mezirow, J. (2012). Learning to think like an adult: Core concepts of transformative theory. In Taylor, E. W., & Cranton, P. (Eds.). The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Mezirow, J., & Taylor, E. W. (2011). Transformative Learning in Practice: Insights from Community, Workplace, and Higher Education. John Wiley & Sons.

Morgan, A. D. (2011). Journeys Into Transformation: Travel to An ‘Other’ Place as a Vehicle for Transformative Learning. Journal of Transformative Education, 8(4), 246–268. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344611421491

Morrice, L. (2012). Learning and Refugees: Recognizing the Darker Side of Transformative Learning. Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory, 63(3), 251–271. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713612465467

Nairn, S., Chambers, D., Thompson, S., McGarry, J., & Chambers, K. (2012). Reflexivity and habitus: opportunities and constraints on transformative learning. Nursing Philosophy, 13(3), 189–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-769X.2011.00530.x

Poutiatine, M. I. (2009). What is Transformation?: Nine Principles Toward an Understanding of the Transformational Process for Transformational Leadership. Journal of Transformative Education, 7(3), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344610385249

Sands, D., & Tennant, M. (2010). Transformative Learning in the Context of Suicide Bereavement. Adult Education Quarterly, 60(2), 99–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713609349932

Snyder, C. (2008). Grabbing Hold of a Moving Target: Identifying and Measuring the Transformative Learning Process. Journal of Transformative Education, 6(3), 159–181. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344608327813

Taylor, E. (1998). The theory and practice of transformative learning: A critical review. Information Series no. 374. ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Columbus, OH.

Taylor, E. W. (2001). Transformative learning theory: a neurobiological perspective of the role of emotions and unconscious ways of knowing. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 20(3), 218–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370110036064

Taylor, E. W. (2007). An update of transformative learning theory: A critical review of the empirical research (1999-2005). International Journal of Lifelong Education, 26(2), 173–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370701219475

Taylor, E.W. (2011). Fostering transformative learning. In Mezirow, J., & Taylor, E. W. (Eds.). Transformative Learning in Practice: Insights from Community, Workplace, and Higher Education. John Wiley & Sons.

Taylor, E. W., & Cranton, P. (2012). The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Taylor, E.W. & Jarecke, J. (2011). Looking back by looking forward. In Mezirow, J., & Taylor, E. W. (Eds.). Transformative Learning in Practice: Insights from Community, Workplace, and Higher Education. John Wiley & Sons.

Taylor, E. W., & Laros, A. (2014). Researching the practice of fostering transformative learning: lessons learned from the study of andragogy. Journal of Transformative Education, 12(2), 134–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344614548589

Taylor, E.W. & Snyder, M.J. (2012). A critical review of research on transformative learning theory, 2006-2010. In Taylor, E. W., & Cranton, P. (Eds.). The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.

The E (2010). Designing Transformational Learning. Retrieved 12 October 2013 from: http://theenews.edublogs.org/2010/05/28/designing-transformational-learning-further-feedback-required/

Tisdell, E.J. (2012). Themes and variations of transformative learning: Interdisciplinary perspectives on forms that transform. In Taylor, E. W., & Cranton, P. (Eds.). The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.51383/jesma.2021.9



Journal of Educational Studies and Multidisciplinary Approaches © 2023 by Journal of Educational Studies and Multidisciplinary Approaches is licensed under CC BY 4.0