Journal article
Putting transformative learning theory into practice
Australian Journal of Adult Learning, Vol.55(1), pp.10-27
2015
Abstract
This paper elaborates on a number of key criticisms of Mezirow's transformative learning theory as well as providing arguments that validate it. Our paper exemplifies how Mezirow's theory can help adult educators and prospective school teachers understand that social structures and belief systems can influence student learning, that learners make meaning of their experiences in various ways which influence the sort of value systems they develop and that disorienting dilemmas often challenge the validity of one's values and the assumptions that underpin them. It exemplifies how Mezirow's theory can be put into practice in Adult and Higher Education via three case studies undertaken by the authors in different places, at different times and with different sets of learners. These include mature aged women returning to study, PhDs at a Swedish Engineering University, and domestic and international students studying at an Australian regional university. The case studies make use of a values survey, interviews and subsequent focus groups. Data from the survey and interviews are analysed and used to argue that transformative learning (Mezirow, 1991) can be practiced, to good effect, in university staff development and teacher education courses.
Details
- Title
- Putting transformative learning theory into practice
- Authors
- Michael Christie (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringMichael D Carey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringAnn Robertson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and BusinessPeter R Grainger (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Australian Journal of Adult Learning, Vol.55(1), pp.10-27
- Publisher
- Adult Learning Australia
- Date published
- 2015
- ISSN
- 1443-1394
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2015 Adult Learning Australia. The published version is reproduced here with permission from the copyright holder. https://www.ajal.net.au/
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Tertiary Access - Legacy; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449549102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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