Transformative learning is a theory based on the premise that all individuals have perspectives derived from experiences, thoughts, values, and insights. Adult educators create meaning out of their experiences as practitioners and as learners. (JOW)

Examines differences among types of critical reflection, the role of critical reflection of assumption (CRA) in the transformative theory of adult learning, and philosophical foundations of CRA. (SK)

Describes the use of transformative learning theory to evaluate a family-empowerment project focusing on life skills (N=34). Results reveal evidence of transformative learning outcomes such as an empowered sense of self and new connections with others. Participants also spoke of factors built into the program designed to foster transformative…

Contrasts Western traditional objectivism with the interpretist paradigm explaining cognitive processes. Describes the transformation theory of adult learning based on the emancipatory paradigm. (SK)

Adult educators can use the concepts of chaos, emergence, creativity, and transformation from biological and physical sciences and evolution theories to reassess the prominence of transformation as an educational orientation. Developmental potential can be facilitated in learners who are at crisis points, struggling with inner turbulence, or…

Adaptation of a project-based learning model aimed at linking student learning to community problems for South African adult education can potentially result in action-oriented, socially relevant knowledge construction, collective learning, and critical reflection. However, project-based learning might also be used to support the "new…

In-depth interviews with 12 ethical vegans revealed the process of becoming vegetarian. Transformative learning proved to be a journey rather than a one-time decision. Mezirow's transformative theory does not adequately account for the power relations central to this process. Therefore, transformative learning should be viewed more holistically.…

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.)

With the premise that schooling should make a difference in students' everyday experience, the authors synthesize research on the influence of school learning on students' out-of-school experience by addressing the contributions and shortcomings of four research areas: (a) transfer, (b) out-of-school learning environments, (c) school-prompted…

This article reflects on Peter Mayo's synthesis of ideas from two key figures in critical educational studies: Gramsci and Freire. The author identifies a number of distinguishing features of Mayo's work and considers some of the implications of his analysis for our understanding of transformative intellectual activity.

This article debates whether the concept of satisfaction as a measurement of quality in higher education supports the goal of enhancing transformative learning. As higher education is about transforming people, not just their knowledge, it is argued that learning challenges the identities of students, and even questions their personal integrity.…

The last significant review of research about transformative learning was in 1998 and was mostly focused on unpublished dissertations. In response, this paper reviews an exhaustive body of research conducted since that time, involving 40 studies, published in peer-review journals with a lens of analysis of new findings and insights on…

In this paper I argue that recent developments in higher education presuppose a conceptual framework that fails plausibly to account for indispensable aspects of educational experience--in particular that a university education is fundamentally a project of personal transformation within a particular social order. It fails, I suggest, primarily…

Increasingly, the use of ideas and exercises designed to promote personal growth, empowerment, and self-reflection is being incorporated into interpersonal communication (IP) textbooks, and presumably IP courses as well. The purpose of this essay is to engage the academic discipline in a conversation about transformative education within the…

Education officials are emphasizing and placing resources in art education, but are schools ready to respond to this call? The authors discuss four approaches to the arts in education: discipline-based, interdisciplinary, utilitarian, and transformational art education. They do this by highlighting a successful arts education institute, the…