Transformational learning & thinking
What is it?
This is an educational theory that involves a change or transformation of a learner's core 'perspectives'. These perspectives shape the way we think and behave. The changes can be related to assumptions, inferences, beliefs and premises. Another name for these perspectives could be 'schemas', models or scripts.
The learner may not be aware of these existing perspectives.
Transactional learning involves exchanges without transformation of core perspectives.
How
Try and create space/moments for the learner perspective to be questioned.
Authentic tasks/experiences
Create a sense of urgency/drama
Create a sense of togetherness
Ensure there is a shared purpose
Creative enquiry: use images and Mood boards
Work at the zone of proximal development.
Identifying tensions, dilemmas and ethical issues.
Topics that maybe better suited for transformational learning: teaching, leadership, self-awareness, professionalism, ethics, law, reasoning, complexity, uncertainty, generalism
Professory Jack Mezirow
Disorientating dilemmas
Disorienting dilemmas are commonly seen as an integral part of transformative learning. Within Mezirow’s model of an ideal-typical learning process, a disorienting dilemma represents the initiation of a transformative learning experience usually denoting a life crisis that triggers a questioning of assumptions, resulting in transformed beliefs (Taylor, 2000)
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-6300-797-9_7
Transformation of what?
This could be
Mental or cognitive change
Physical
Social and system
Self versus others versus system
Transformation as a change
The change could be in the breadth and or depth
Bloom's taxonomy and transformation
More significant changes happen higher up in the pyramid
Perceptual sets
https://www.simplypsychology.org/perceptual-set.html
Allport (1955) defined perceptual set as: 'A perceptual bias or predisposition or readiness to perceive particular features of a stimulus.'
What is NOT transformational?
Transactional
Simple acquisition of facts
Benefits and risks of transformational learning
Transformational learning is hard. To achieve this requires more skills, knowledge, effort and time (in general).
Transformational learning leads to a broader and deeper learning experience
Transformational learning is more complex for both the learner and educator. This means it requires more expertise.
It requires the right time and moment (Kairos)
The outcomes are more unpredictable. It does not necessarily lead to transformation.
Identifying a learner's hidden perspective can be difficult
Determining the right alternative perspectives is challenging
Questions, Uncertainties and issues
Who decides? Do we need to get consent to enter a transformational learning experience?
Related ideas
Frames of reference
Habits of mind
Point of view