Transformational Learning Transformative learning is about change—dramatic, fundamental change in the way we see ourselves and the world in which we live (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2007). Reference: Merriam, S., Caffarella, R. & Baumgartner, L. (2007). Learning in Adulthood. San Francisco, CA. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Transformative Learning is a theory of deep learning that goes beyond just content knowledge acquisition, or learning equations, memorizing tax codes or learning historical facts and data. It is a desirable process for adults to learn to think for themselves, through true emancipation from sometimes mindless or unquestioning acceptance of what we have to come to know through our life experience, especially those things that our culture, religions, and personalities may predispose us towards, without our active engagement and questioning of how we know what we know. (Transformative learning theory.com, 2000)

Mezirow’s psychocritical approach to transformative learning (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2007) Mezirow’s recursive ten-step or ten-phase model contains four main components: experience, critical reflection, reflective discourse and action. In other words learners must critically reflect on his or her experience, talk with others about his or her new worldview in order to gain the best judgment and act on the new perspective (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2007). Reference: Merriam, S., Caffarella, R. & Baumgartner, L. (2007). Learning in Adulthood. San Francisco, CA. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

 People must move beyond the limited vision of a global market economy and locate their lives “ in a larger cosmological context much more breathtaking than the market vision of the world.”  Individuals must adopt a definition of development that “links the creative evolutionary processes of the universe, the planet and the earth community, the human community, and the personal world.”  Individuals need to understand how our quality of life goes beyond our stand of living to include our need for community and the necessity of diversity within and between communities.”  Transformative education must address spirituality. Reference: Merriam, S., Caffarella, R. & Baumgartner, L. (2007). Learning in Adulthood. San Francisco, CA. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

 Transformative Learning Theory. (2011). Core Principles of Transformative Learning Theory - Mezirow & Others. Retrieved from: Principles.html