Transformational Learning Learning in Adulthood Spring, 2007

Jack Mezirow “More inclusive, discriminating, permeable, and integrative perspectives are superior perspectives that adults choose if they can because they are motivated to better understand the meaning of their experience”

Paulo Freire “Liberation is a praxis: the action and reflection of men and women upon their world in order to transform it.”

Key Concepts Experience Critical Reflection Development

Issues in T L

Context Mezirow’s theory: acontextual (only studied women returning to school) Individual biographies and contexts give richer descriptions of transformational learning

Rationality Dependence on rationality Western:: Separates from experience Gender specific (men, upper-class, white) Bot always beneficial (depression) Intuition ignored

Social Action Controversial Mezirow criticized for too much individual focus of transformation at the expense of social change Romanticizing the change (oppressed to transformed learner)

Educator’s Role Place of social action in transformational learning Support personal and social transformation How to facilitate learning? critical questioning role play -> simulations journal writing life histories