Trans Formative Learning 8-19-09 Final

8/3/2019 Trans Formative Learning 8-19-09 Final

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Transformative

Learning

Su-Tuan LuleeMary McNabb

Gordon Preston

Rebecca Walker

EDDE 801 Group #4 Presentation

at Athabasca University


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Transformative Learning

Overview

Research survey Criticisms of TL theory

Implications for distance education Summary and conclusions

Resources


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Definition of TL

Transformative Learning is The process of using aprior interpretation to construe a new or revised

interpretation of the meaning of ones experience inorder to guide future action" (Mezirow, 1996: 162).

Idealized model of adult learning

Learners who are actively engaged vs. learners asreceptacles

Critical reflection, discourse, and relationships

New perspectives guide actions


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Dougs Transformative Learning


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Mezirows Ten Phases ofTransformative Learning

Disorienting dilemma

Self examination

Critical assessment

Shared discontent

New roles, relationships, and actions


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Mezirows Ten Phases of

Transformative Learning Planning action

Knowledge/skill acquisition

Role experimentation

Role competency

Reintegration


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Research Survey

Jack Mezirow (1994, 1996 - unit B)

Adult Education Quarterly

Journal of Transformative Learning

John M. Dirkx, Jack Mezirow and Patricia

Cranton (2006)Andrew Kitchenham (2008)

Edward Taylor (1997, 2007)


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Empirical Research on TL

Conducted in a higher education context

Most studies used a qualitative researchdesign

Reflection is essential in the process of TL

Relationships with others is also essential Context, both personal and socio-cultural

are significant factors


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Empirical Research on TL(contd)

Most studies did not critically evaluate

previous studies Most studies did not critically evaluate

Mezirows theory itself

Process can be gradual or epochal Process is irreversible


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Criticism of TL

Need to distinguish between normal lifecycle stages and TL (M. Tennant, 1993)

Perspective transformation not alwaysdependent on critical reflection (Taylor,1993)

Transformation may not be positive

Transformation is irreversible


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Criticism of TL (contd)

TL should suggest a more integrated andholistic understanding of subjectivity, one thatreflects the intellectual, emotional, moral, andspiritual dimensions of our being in the world.(Dirks, 2006)

Too much emphasis on a rational approachignoring the importance of intuition, imaginationand emotion. (Boyd & Myers, 1988; Gravov,

1997)


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Criticism of TL (contd)

Some individuals may never move beyondthe intense emotions of the disorientingdilemma

Since TL is an idealized model of adultlearning, is it over-prescribed in teaching?


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Resources

Transformative Learning Theory Web sitehttp://transformativelearningtheory.com/index.html

Journal of Transformative Education

http://jtd.sagepub.com/

International Transformative Learning Conferencehttp://transformativelearningbermuda.com/

Adult Education Quarterlyhttp://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal200765

Group 4 Transformative Learning Web site

http://transformative-learning.blogspot.com/
http://transformativelearningtheory.com/index.htmlhttp://jtd.sagepub.com/http://transformativelearningbermuda.com/http://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal200765http://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal200765https://mail.cecil.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://transformative-learning.blogspot.com/https://mail.cecil.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://transformative-learning.blogspot.com/https://mail.cecil.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://transformative-learning.blogspot.com/https://mail.cecil.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://transformative-learning.blogspot.com/http://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal200765http://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal200765http://transformativelearningbermuda.com/http://jtd.sagepub.com/http://transformativelearningtheory.com/index.html


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Can TL be Applied to Online

Distance Learning ? More open and relaxed than F2F

Asynchronous discussions allow time andmental space

Documentary nature allows reflection &

discourse structurally and allows iterationand reiteration of concepts


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Technology and TL in OnlineDistance Learning

Technologies (virtual world, Blog, streammedia) can create life-like situations

Collaborative learning platform (LMS,social software) provides an opportunityfor those who live in isolation toparticipate

Web conferencing simulates F2F learning

experience


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Examining TL UsingDistance Education Learning Theory

Community of inquiryis important in higher-order thinking

Community of inquiryis a valuable contextfor critical thinking


By Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000


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Examining TL Using DistanceEducation Learning Theory


By Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000

Recognizing the problem - disorientingdilemma

Sense of puzzlement - self examinationInquisitive Divergence, Informationexchange Exploration of options fornew rolesTentative Convergence, Connectingideas Planning a course of action,

Acquiring knowledge and skillsCommitted Vicarious application to realworld, Testing solutions Trying newroles, Building competence & self-confidence in new roles Defending solutions Reintegration newperspective into ones life.


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TL in Online SettingsCase Studies

Case studies on various course topics, e.g.,

cultural differences, loyalty, teacher development Phases of transformative learning evident

have fundamental changes in preconceived ideas,beliefs, habits, or assumptions (Boyer et al, 2006)

Many false starts and random associations inCMC Able to make rational discourse (Ziegahn,2001)


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Technology in Practice for TL


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Technology in Practice for TL(Contd)


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Pedagogical Implicationsfor Educators

Facilitate and support learning (Cranton, 1994)

Build safe, open, and trusting environment for respectful, civilized dialogue (Taylor, 2000)

Post questions to stimulate reflection on

target topics and to model process (Ziegahn,2001)

Structure feedback to learning objectives (Boyer,Maher, & Kirkman, 2006)


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Implications for Students

Be a part of a community of learners

Responsible for constructing and creating thecondition for transformative learning


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Implications for Societies


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Transformative Learning by AnyOther Name . . .

DeBono Thinking skills training for mine

workers in South Africa

Average fights 210/month 4 month

Post-training grievances 7/day 4 month


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Summary & Conclusions

Areas for further study:

Kitchenham: applicability of TL in other

disciplines.

Taylor: is TL something to be encouraged?

Personal and social negative consequences ofperspective transformation.

Is TL theory the most effective method ofbringing about changes in the way people

view their world?


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Summary

Transformation Learning process uses

prior interpretation to construct newmeaning and guide action

Documents

Trans Formative Learning 8-19-09 Final