Transformative Learning
Transformative learning may be considered as “a deep, structural shift in basic premises of thought, feelings, and actions” (Transformative Learning Centre, 2004).
When explaining transformative learning theory, Jack Mezirow (1996) described learning "as the process of using a prior interpretation to construe a new or revised interpretation of the meaning of one’s experience in order to guide future action" (as cited in Taylor, 2007, p. 173). Also, the two major elements of transformative learning as indicated by Mezirow (2006) are "critical reflection, or critical self-reflection, on assumptions and critical discourse, where the learner validates a best judgement" (as cited in Kitchenham, 2008, p. 105). Consequently, transformative learning occurs when we allow ourselves “to examine critically what we believe and value in our work as educators” (Cranton & King, p. 34). |
The table as shown below describes influences on Mezirow's transformation theory (Kitchenham, 2008, p. 106).
The artifacts shown in the transformative learning page of the portfolio describe my personal experiences and critical self-reflections, or questions arising from my experiences. Taylor (2007) states that "Transformative learning offers a theory of learning that is uniquely adult, abstract and idealized, grounded in the nature of human communication" (p. 173). By critically reflecting on my own experiences and learning as an adult, I am intentionally engaging in a transformative learning experience. I feel that transformative learning theory partly reflects the key objective underlying critical pedagogy, conscientization, "which is a process that invites learners to engage the world and others critically" (McLaren, 1989, as cited in Ladson-Billings, 1995, p. 162). Through the process of critical reflection, I'm engaging in a process to critically reflect on myself, as an individual with a unique history and experience. As well, my critical reflections would include others and the world around me as mentioned above by McLaren (1989). The transformative learning artifacts 1 and 2, as shown below, are related to critical self-reflections, and the transformative learning artifact 3 reveals reflections on others and the world around me.
Transformative Learning Artifact 1. The "lived experience paper" details some of my reflections on my lived experiences as an immigrant child, and it describes a personal recollection of the stages of English language acquisition process during my childhood to adolescence. It also reveals some of the changes and critical questioning occurring in parts of my life, and how these changes have transformed my worldview. This paper was written in a narrative format in the Social and Cultural Context of Education course (EDUC 5005G).
Transformative Learning Artifact 1. The "lived experience paper" details some of my reflections on my lived experiences as an immigrant child, and it describes a personal recollection of the stages of English language acquisition process during my childhood to adolescence. It also reveals some of the changes and critical questioning occurring in parts of my life, and how these changes have transformed my worldview. This paper was written in a narrative format in the Social and Cultural Context of Education course (EDUC 5005G).
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
Transformative Learning Artifact 2. This artifact describes family immigration histories and construction of identity. A Powerpoint presentation with voice recording was used to present literature on family immigration story. My personal experiences and thoughts on the topic were weaved in to the presentation in the Social and Cultural Context of Education course (EDUC 5005G). By critically questioning some of the social frame of references and unacknowledged biases, this activity fostered transformative learning.
Transformative Learning Artifact 3. This presentation focuses on a leader at a particular institution, who made an impact on the lives of many who worked at the institution as well as those associated with the institution in some way. The title of the presentation is "Leader as a Catalyst for Change". It was presented in the Dynamics of Change course (EDUC 5203G).
The Powerpoint slides describe actions of a reflective, passionate, and enlightened individual as a leader, who created an opportunity for many people to engage in critical thinking and learning activities that would help communities to make the necessary changes for improvement. I feel that I am one of many who benefited and continue to benefit from being aware of the changes occurring within the institution. This presentation helped me to understand not only the dynamics and the implications of implementing changes, it also helped me to reflect on the impact of transformational leadership in action.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/xls.png)
leader-catalyst_for_org_change.pptx | |
File Size: | 482 kb |
File Type: | pptx |