scholarly journals Theorizing learning process: An experiential, constructivist approach to young people's learning about global poverty and development

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-70
Author(s):  
Kate Brown
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Global Education ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Global Poverty ◽  
Constructivist Approach ◽  
Global Learning ◽  
Education Theory ◽  
Individual Nature ◽  
The Way

Learning processes in global education have not been significantly theorized, with the notable exception of the application of transformative learning theory. No theory of learning is complete, and to understand the complexity of learning, multiple theoretical lenses must be applied. This article looks at Jarvis's (2006) model of lifelong learning and argues that it can help global educators understand young people's learning about global poverty and development. Considering young people's learning through the lens of this theory highlights the way in which learning occurs in multiple contexts, its individual nature, and the significance of emotion, action, and identity as well as knowing in the process. These themes are already evident within existing research into the way in which young people in England learn about global poverty and development, as well as global education theory and commentary. As a result, and despite some limitations, Jarvis's learning theory has potential utility in extending global educators' understanding of young people's global learning.

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.

Drawing thinking: Illustration as pedagogy

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-340
Author(s):  
Jason Hirons ◽  
Mel Brown
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Critical Writing ◽  
Writing Practices ◽  
Creative Education ◽  
The Way

Abstract The idea of Illustration Pedagogy initially came out of Transformative Learning Theory a learning theory that incites students to challenge their own assumptions and utilizes ideas of drawing & writing, making & thinking in the learning journeys of our students from the first day that they arrive on the course. This project explores the way, as lecturers, we can approach the design and delivery of taught modules in ways that develop the skills of student illustrators, their knowledge and understanding through critical writing practices which combine drawing and illustration. The projects discussed here are across levels 4, 5 and 6 on the undergraduate BA (Hons) Illustration degree at Plymouth College of Art. Creative education by necessity requires a creative approach to pedagogy, and we have developed the Illustration Pedagogy project using the tools and contexts of illustration itself in the teaching and learning on the programme.

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.

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.

Fundamentals of Learning Theories

2011 ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor X. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Self Actualization ◽  
How People Learn ◽  
The Way

Humans have different interpretations of learning theories and different beliefs about how people learn. All these beliefs may come from personal experience, self-reflection, observation of others, and through the experience of trying to teach or persuade someone else to your way of thinking. In a nutshell, everyone keeps learning every waking minute, using different learning theories. In democratic cultures, people may prefer critical thinking as an effective learning theory whereas in authoritarian cultures, people may like rote learning or memorization as an effective learning theory. It is extremely difficult to determine which learning theories are better than others because people are engaged in informal or formal learning to change the way they see themselves, change the way they see other people, and change the way they see situations (Cramer & Wasiak, 2006). All these learning theories are valuable in guiding one’s action in a particular culture, subculture, or even a particular setting. Although scholars have different interpretations of learning theories, the goal of any learning theory is the same. For example, Merriam (2004) explains a learning theory as leading to learners’ growth and development. Mezirow explains the theory of transformative learning as helping learners achieve perspective transformation. Maslow considers the goal of learning to be self-actualization: “the full use of talents, capacities, potentialities, etc.” (p. 150). Some learning theories such as the theory of andragogy encourage learners to be self-directed in learning whereas other theories emphasize the roles of teachers as information transmitters instead of learning facilitators, thus placing learners at the feet of master professors.

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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