At a time when the medical field is dominated by the pressures of private insurance demands and government regulations, many people discover they need to be self advocates in order to battle illness and regain their health. Moreover, these issues are not constant, as many countries (like the USA) face changing demographics and continuing radical…

In a world dominated by change and transformation, this article explores instructional technology connections to and applications of transformative learning. The author provides an overview of the theory of transformative learning, which embraces the hallmarks of 21st century learning. Rather than focusing solely on how to use technology,…

Based on the theory of transformative learning (Mezirow, 1980) and critical pedagogy (Freire, 1980), mixed-methods research (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 1998) of a hospital workers' union and training organization addressed the impact of a custom-designed, group-focused, results-driven professional development model with 130 participants. Employees…

This chapter provides a framework to facilitate self-awareness, self-knowledge, diversity training, and cultural awareness and appreciation for all adults, based on understanding the development of sexual identity and workplace issues for LGBTQ adults. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)

A participant-observer study included initial and 10-month follow-up surveys of 19 adult learners before and after the September 11th terrorist attacks; 18 described their experiences as perspective transformation. Grief stages were observed; the reorganization stage was most evident. Combining the models of transformative learning and grief…

Transformative learning theory provides a framework for development of authentic, individuated, critically reflective practitioners. Strategies for transformative professional development include action plans, reflective activities, case studies, and critical theory discussions. (Contains 17 references.) (SK)

An integrative approach views professional development for adult educators as learner centered and transformative; it should address motivation and technology. A new vision of professional development reconceptualizes the process to include understanding of contexts, active learning, reflection, and dialogue. (SK)

The purpose of this mixed method research is to understand and support educators' continuing learning and growth better by using a lens of transformative learning to examine their experience and professional development practice and responsibility. Data from 58 participants and the course professor are analyzed to consider the occurrence of…

A survey of 208 adult learners of English as a second language and 24 follow-up interviews showed that 66.8% experienced transformation in their frames of reference and thinking about culture, language learning, and themselves. Learning activities that facilitated transformative learning included discussions, exercises, essays, assigned readings,…

Interviews, surveys, and journal entries were used to examine 41 teachers' and 6 teacher trainees' experiences with educational technology. About 91% experienced perspective transformation, most frequently through hands-on experience, discussion, and reflection. The most significant outcome was the way confidence in technology use empowered them…

A learning activities survey was completed by 422 of 737 adults in evening classes. Perspective transformation experiences were reported by 37.3%. Learning activities that most influenced perspective transformation included reflection, teacher challenge, discussion and reading, critical thinking, personal interaction, and active participation. (SK)

Discussion of women as adult learners focuses on the adult learning theory of transformational learning as a framework to examine how women develop their careers, especially technology-related careers. Highlights include the role of voice; pathways of women's careers; gender and technology career issues; minority women; and suggestions for…

A study created a model and instrument to determine and evaluate the factors that promote perspective transformation in the higher education classroom. The focus was the classroom setting, but other experiences and circumstances were recognized as being important determinants as well. An existing assessment model was used as the basis for…

Reports on a study of 17 professors from graduate schools of education. Finds that: (1) 71% experienced a perspective transformation in the context of learning and using technology for educational purposes; and (2) learning technology by itself does not seem to facilitate perspective transformation--rather, classroom practice and reflection prompt…

Describes a study that examined the experiences of 175 teachers as they learned technology for educational purposes within the framework of transformational learning. Highlights include technology integration; educational technology professional development; adult education; teacher self-confidence; and classroom practice. (LRW)