Conference presentation
Sensitise, Take Action, Reflect: Challenges and changes produced in an action research project involving educators from across the health disciplines
Learning & Teaching Week, 2011 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 19-Sep-2011–23-Sep-2011)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2011
Abstract
While the five health disciplines in the School of Sport and Health Sciences have unique educational objectives, they experience common challenges. Challenges include rising expectations of collaboration and a growing awareness of other issues: unmet needs in vulnerable populations and a more diverse student population with varying levels of awareness of important social issues on which, as graduates, they will be expected to take action. Innovative pedagogies are required. The value of Transformative Learning (TL) lies in its ability to awaken learners to issues of injustice that lead to and sustain inequities. It emphasizes critical thinking and questioning of previously-held assumptions, beliefs, and values, so that students experience a shift in perspective and increased awareness as a pathway to deep learning. In Mezirow's (2000) conception of TL, individuals experience disorienting dilemmas that can become a trigger for deep learning. Thus, it is not the objective for educators to protect students from these dilemmas, but rather to assist them to reflect on them and arrive at new understandings to better equip them for future practice and for the advancement of their profession. The STAR framework encapsulates these notions from TL theory. The educator's orientation towards the learner is in: Sensitising, Taking Action, and promoting Reflection. In 2011, the framework has been introduced, applied and evaluated by health educators across the School using participatory action research methodology. This paper will discuss emerging findings, including examples of teaching strategies and reflections on potential benefits to educators, students and the discourse of transformative learning.
Details
- Title
- Sensitise, Take Action, Reflect: Challenges and changes produced in an action research project involving educators from across the health disciplines
- Authors
- Margaret McAllister (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationMichael Lyons (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationTerri Downer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationFlorin I Oprescu (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastFiona Pelly (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationTara Gamble (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Conference details
- Learning & Teaching Week, 2011 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 19-Sep-2011–23-Sep-2011)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2011
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; Engage Research Lab; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Midwifery; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99447770802621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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