Understanding Understanding Transformative Transformative LearningLearning ADLT 601Class Session 9

Mezirow’s Mezirow’s Transformative Transformative Learning TheoryLearning Theory

Human Communication and Human Communication and the Learning Processthe Learning Process

Two Domains of Learning in Two Domains of Learning in Mezirow’s TheoryMezirow’s Theory

Instrumental learning is learning to control and manipulate the environment or other people, e.g., task-oriented learning

Communicative learning is learning what others mean when they communicate with you. This involves feelings, intentions, values, moral issues, and meanings.

Emancipatory KnowledgeEmancipatory Knowledge

Knowledge that leads to freedom from constraints and oppression (either personal or social).

Emancipatory knowledge is subjective in nature and occurs through critical reflection and critical self-reflection.

Transformative learning leads to emancipatory knowledge.

Transformative learning Transformative learning my be activated by:my be activated by:

Transformative learning Transformative learning is a is a critically reflective process by critically reflective process by which we change our which we change our assumptions, beliefs, values, or assumptions, beliefs, values, or perspectives, making them perspectives, making them

-- -- more open to alternative more open to alternative perspectives, perspectives, -- more discriminating among -- more discriminating among perspectives, perspectives, --and justifiable to ourselves --and justifiable to ourselves and othersand others..

Perspective TransformationPerspective Transformation

Key Points in Transformative Key Points in Transformative Learning TheoryLearning Theory

Development in AdulthoodDevelopment in Adulthood

Mezirow’s Underlying Mezirow’s Underlying Assumptions about Adult Assumptions about Adult EducationEducation

The Role of the Adult The Role of the Adult Educator Becomes ...Educator Becomes ...