Using Mindfulness to Promote Transformative Learning in Implicit Racial Bias Training

2020 ◽  
pp. 104515952098116
Author(s):  
Renee Owen
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Habits Of Mind ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Strong Indication ◽  
And Behavior

Implicit bias classes have become a common practice with the aim of creating more inclusive work and learning environments. Such classes are aimed at helping individuals identify unconscious habits of mind and behaviors around race, which can be a disorienting experience. By seeing such classes through the lens of transformative learning theory, the instructor can help students through the disorienting experience with a transformative learning process. Transformative learning is a process of changing perspectives and habits of mind, ultimately resulting in changes in behavior. Recent research around the practice of mindfulness reveals a strong indication that a regular mindfulness practice can aid in helping individuals change habits of mind and behavior. The article provides brief examples of how teaching students about the neuroscience of bias, coupled with leading mindfulness techniques, enhances students’ grasp of concepts around bias to better embed the learning in multiple ways. Mindfulness becomes a tool for helping students develop awareness of their biases and for transforming inherited habits of mind into more positive and inclusive mind-sets.

On Disruption and Construction, Reflection and Reorganization in Psychotherapist Development: A Taxonomy of Transformative Learning Outcomes

2019 ◽  
pp. 154134461986406 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Edward Watkins
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Therapist Development ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Specific Question

The beginning period of psychotherapist development has been conceptually and empirically identified as the most difficult and potentially problematic. The budding therapist is struggling to define a therapist identity, settle into the role of being a “helper,” and come to grips with being a helper who can “heal.” That struggle, I contend, is at its core a transformative learning process that involves developing a guiding vision of oneself as therapist, where the shift from becoming to being is made reality. In what follows, I examine transformative learning theory as a framework for enhancing our understanding about the beginning period of therapist development. The specific question that I consider is: What transformative learning outcomes occur for the beginning psychotherapist in the process of developing a therapist identity? I draw on and analogize from Hoggan’s typology of transformative learning outcomes in providing an answer to that question.

scholarly journals Learning to Be: Emerging Discourse in Awakening Transformation in Education

in education ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-114
Author(s):  
Vanessa V. Tse ◽  
David F. Monk
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Critical Discourse ◽  
Habits Of Mind ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
The World ◽  
Personal Accountability ◽  
The One

This paper explores the disconnection between knowledge of social and environmental injustices and actions to right them. Through our discussion, we consider possible reasons for this disconnection, whether a lack of knowledge, personal accountability and responsibility, or a fear of being swallowed up in the depths of the suffering in the world. We then critically reflect on our role and the role of education to broach this gap. We adopt O’Sullivan’s (2002) transformative learning theory as a guide and suggest that disruptive dialogues, like the one that has guided this paper, can challenge habits of mind, shift perspectives, and lead to action for a better, more equitable world. Ultimately, we conclude that such conversations are organic and ever changing and are integral to education.Keywords: Social justice; critical discourse; transformation 

scholarly journals Using Transformative Learning Theory to Enhance Professional Development

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Cahill ◽  
Michelle Bulanda
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Habits Of Mind ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Authentic Participation

Purpose: Pediatric occupational therapy and physical therapy interventions for children with disabilities are designed to increase function and often focus on developmental skills instead of on the environmental context and promoting self-determination skills. A professional development course was developed to help therapists develop intervention strategies to meet developmental outcomes, while also promoting children's self-determination and creating opportunities for children to authentically participating in daily routines, including leisure and community play. Transformative learning theory was used as a basis to develop this course. The purpose of this article is to report on course activities and the assessment of participants' "transformation" at the completion of the course. Method: A pre-test/post-test design was used to determine whether participants in this course (n=3) had made transformations in their habits of mind when designing client goals, intervention plans and recommendations for a fictional case study of a child with a disability. Results: Participants wrote pre-test goals that focused on building skill in typical developmental sequences; whereas post-test goals focused on using strengths the child had and changing the environment to encourage authentic participation of the child. In addition post-test goals and interventions focused on determining the child's preference and choice about activities to participate in. Pre-test referrals were for equipment and other programs to address skill development; while post-test referrals focused on play and recreation opportunities. Conclusion: Following completion of a course using transformative learning strategies, participants demonstrated changes in habits of mind upon completion of a post-test case study in which goals, interventions, and referrals were more consistent with themes of the course including self-determination and authentic participation.

Transformative Learning in an Online Environment

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Cranton
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Online Environment

The purpose of this article is to explore the potential for fostering transformative learning in an online environment. It provides an overview of transformative learning theory, including the variety of perspectives on the theory that have evolved as the theory matured. Strategies and practices for fostering transformative learning are presented, followed by a description of the online environment and how strategies for encouraging transformative learning might be carried into that environment. Students’ voices are brought in to corroborate and to question the importance of these strategies. The article concludes with a discussion of how an educator’s style and strengths can be brought into online teaching, especially with a view to helping learners examine their meaning perspectives.

Exploring Transformative Learning at the Cultural Interface: Insights From Successful Aboriginal University Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-13
Author(s):  
Braden Hill ◽  
Grantley Winmar ◽  
Jenna Woods
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Adult And Continuing Education ◽  
Emotional Challenges ◽  
Education Theory ◽  
Cultural Interface ◽  
Transformative Impact ◽  
Adult And Continuing ◽  
Western Australian

Transformative learning theory articulates a process whereby students experience a change in perspectives that expands and transforms their worldview. Despite being well established and regarded within the literature relating to adult and continuing education, Mezirow's (1978) seminal education theory remains largely absent in the research relating to Indigenous higher education. This study explores the transformative impact of university learning on the student journeys of three Aboriginal graduates from a Western Australian university. Applying a collaborative auto-ethnographic approach, each author-participant's personal narrative of their student experience was exposed to comparative, thematic and critical analysis. It was found that each author had faced similar cognitive and emotional challenges at university. Significantly, it emerged that university had changed the author-participants’ identities in ways that aligned with Mezirow's transformative learning construct. The narrative data also revealed elements that appeared related to the students’ negotiation of Nakata's cultural interface. A dominant theme in the data referred to the relationships formed during university, as being integral to transformation. Furthermore, family was understood to have a paradoxical influence on their educational journey. The insights garnered from this study prompt further consideration as to how transformative learning theory might be mobilised at the cultural interface.

Risky Media

2013 ◽  
pp. 286-304
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Kruger-Ross ◽  
Tricia M. Farwell
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Technology In Education ◽  
Technology In The Classroom ◽  
Assessment Technology

This chapter seeks to critically examine and question common assumptions underpinning educators’ use and incorporation of technology in the classroom. Drawing upon transformative learning theory, the authors argue that incorporating technology in education cannot and should not be done without first questioning assumptions regarding power, teaching, and assessment. Technology is transforming education in expected ways, but can also transform education in unexpected, unexplored ways. Educators need to move beyond the quick fix of bulleted lists to explore the implications of technology in the classroom more fully.

Learning Outcomes in Online Graduate Education Courses

2010 ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Greg Kearsley
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Discussion Forum ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Graduate Courses ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Education Courses

This chapter examines the relevance of transformative learning theory as it applies to online graduate courses. It is argued that the nature of learning that occurs in such courses involves a high degree of reflection and critical analysis and hence is well described by transformative theory. Discussion forum postings from 3 different courses at different institutions are analyzed in terms of the meaning structures defined by Mezirow. The results support the assertion that meaning schema and perspectives are being created and changed as a consequence of interaction with peers and instructors during online classes. A number of suggestions for refining the study of transformative learning in online courses are provided.

scholarly journals Transformative teaching in Higher Education for Sustainable Development: facing the challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Förster ◽  
Anne B. Zimmermann ◽  
Clemens Mader
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Schematic Model ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Transformative Teaching ◽  
Major Teaching ◽  
Teaching In Higher Education

Are teachers ready to support sustainability transformations in tertiary education? We frame major teaching challenges within transformative learning theory and offer a schematic model of transformative learning including liminality and emotions.

Maximizing Cross-Cultural Learning From Exchange Study Abroad Programs: Transformative Learning Theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-554
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Chwialkowska
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Learning ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Exchange Study ◽  
Travel Abroad

While some institutions require their students to spend a semester abroad as a prerequisite to earning a business degree, academics challenge the view that travel abroad helps students become culturally competent. Many students admit that they failed to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the components of exchange study abroad programs (ESP) that facilitate student cross-cultural learning (CCL). Building on transformative learning theory (TLT), we propose and test a conceptual model of relationships between different components of exchange programs and student CCL. The data collected from more than 700 students participating in a semester and two-semester-long programs are analyzed through logistic regression. This research contributes to the literature on the effectiveness of ESP by identifying the key components that maximize positive outcomes for students. By building on TLT, it reveals the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone and providing students with support during the ESP. This study bears practical implications as it provides academic institutions and students with important insights that help maximize student CCL.

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