Transformative Learning In The Process Of The Adult Learning Process

The second article, “Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-Traditional College Students” by Kenner and Weinerman, I think I relate to more because I did not go into college right away after finishing high school. Getting a college degree was not as important to me as going out in the work force and making money, or traveling and having the opportunity to be adventurous. I have a different learning style because of that, and in a way it can both help and hurt my learning. “Knowles identifies four principles that characterize adult learners” (Kenner, Weinerman, 2011). The fourth is that we are motivated, which I definitely am. We go back to school to achieve a personal goal that we have set for ourselves (Kenner, Weinerman, 2011). That is why I have decided to go back to school.

Transformative learning is basically changing the way one thinks, feels, acts, and sees life now, as opposed to the past. It can have a small or huge impact on the way they see different aspects of their life. The four stages of the transformative learning process are: Recognizing a specific problem – this is when one would decide if there is a need for change. They would recognize that there is a problem and specifically what it is. Confronting the problem intensely – They would then avoid apprehension and immediately confront the problem, while remembering to consider all possible solutions.

Providing renewed hope in the face of adversities and depressing events that may otherwise cause individuals to descend into the negative behavior. Brookfield (2005) addressed the third aspect of adult learning as transformative. Adult learners are exposed to learning in the workplace. Within the workplace, adult workers learn to be critical in analyzing their assumptions regarding the structure business model before reaching a decision that may affect a company’s performance. They view this in conjunction with market realities before arriving at decision that may make or break the company.

Looking at learning theories through two different views was interesting. In the article, Revisiting Adult Learning Theory through the Lens of an Adult Learner, it was the basic guidelines and idea of adult learning theories. In the article, Revisiting Adult Learning Theory through the Lens of an Adult Learner, the article was written from the view of an adult student and covered what some of the first article had addressed. Author discussed about how some adult learners make their own learning theories. Also, saw some of the pressures that adult students can be faced with and they were addressed in the article. It was about how some adult learners make their own learning theories some of the pressures

The theory of adult learning is the assumptions about how adults learn. Emphasizes the value of the process of learning in adults ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). Malcom Knowles and American practitioner and theorist of adult education defined is as an art and science of helping adults learn ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). Knowles also defined six adult learning principles as adults are internally motivated and self-directed, adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences and are goal orientated. They also relevancy oriented and are practical learners who like to be respected when in the classroom ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). As educators, we need to foster the adult learner’s internal motivation to learn. Develop a rapport with the adult learner, encourage them to ask questions and explore concepts. Some adult learners come with years of experience and knowledge, with this as an instructor or teacher we need to harvest this information and have them apply it to their

Knowles posits that adult learners are self directed and autonomous. They are goal oriented, practical and must see and understand the relevance of any training. Adults bring an abundance of experience and knowledge, experiential learning, with them. Most importantly, “…adults need to be shown respect.” (Lieb)

The Adult Learning Theory is based on understanding how adults learn and how they respond to the program in general. Researchers have found three key methods on how adults learn: experiential learning, transformational learning, and non-Western and Indigenous ways of knowing and learning (CITE). In Experiential Learning, adults learn through the experiences they have lived. Transformational Learning, on the other hand, is a “process in which adult learners question their own lives and how they interact with the world in which they live in” (CITE). Thus meaning that adults learn through situations that challenge their own thoughts about something and makes them reevaluate their original thought process. Lastly, Non-Western and Indigenous ways of knowing and learning is a bit complicated in adult learning as it is hard to find ways to categorize it. Despite the difficulty, there are four reoccurring themes in Non-Western and Indigenous learning: Communal nature of learning, the oneness of learners with the natural world, the oral tradition of learning, and knowledge as holistic (CITE). Further elaboration on this type of adult learning reflects on understanding cultural differences and the value of

Transformational Learning consist of four stages which are, “recognizing a significant problem; confronting it intensely; finding a solution; and integrating a new prospective” (R-Model, 2010, p.115). When making any major life transition you will probably use transformational learning. You will first recognize that there is a problem or that there is something in your life that you would like to change. Second, you will need to confront the problem. You will need to do so with great intensity, so that you may find a solution. Once you have gone through the third stage to find your solution, you will then start to integrate that solution into your life. Transformational learning is something that everyone will go through at some point

Life is so busy these days that sometimes we don’t stop to think how we got to this point or realize some of those key factors that played a role. I think it is fair to say that most people take a lot of things for granted but when you pause and analyze life’s events it can be an eye opener and really get you thinking about how certain career decisions have created a pathway for your career and at life-space. Gets a little scary when you think back on how one or two decisions could have really swayed your career. I think we can all think back to an event in our adult development

When did adult learning begin to take a stance in the field of Education? Adult Learning started to be considered a professional career in the early 1920 's. The basis of the adult Learning method cannot be summed into only one Theory of how Adults Learn . We can however, note the similarities and differences of adult learning based on relevant information that compares and contrasts how individuals act and react to different theories . Many different theories exist in the Adult learning world although there are two theories that will be compared. These theorists are, Malcolm Knowles and David Kolb. Although differing in theory Knowles and Kolb bring uniquely different insight to the Adult Education world. Exactly what is the Adult learning theory ?

The theoretical framework for my research is adult learning theory incorporates the basic concepts of behavioral change and experience in learning. “Emerging theories of adult learning are based on the unique characteristics of adults as learners” (Knowles, 1970, section 1, para 1). There are two categories with respect to the theory of adult learning: how an adult processes knowledge, which in turn produces change for the individual, and how an adult processes knowledge to then become a change agent in an organization. Merriam & Bierema (2014) links these principles with Knowles’ andragogy theory (p.54).

Do you feel that transformative learning only applies to adult learners? Please explain. If not, how can the philosophy and strategies of transformative learning be applied to younger learners?

In this paper, the authors outlined a method of defining the effectiveness of an executive coaching engagement by determining if there was a transformation achieved by the coachee. Transformative learning theory was proposed as the lens to view the executive’s journey, so critical reflection was a key part of the analysis. Our findings show that you can have critical reflection without transformation, but you cannot have a transformation without critical reflection (Brookfield, 2000). However, the missing part of Mezirow’s theory is the trigger for the critical reflection, and the authors’ research brought in the idea of a need for critical moments in the executive’s coaching engagement in order for the transformation to occur. Then all six

I love the visualization you have created by saying that “learners battle between their foundational beliefs and the need to change”. It is a perfect description of what is happening in the learner’s mind and soul as he or she is living the new perspective and transforming in to a new self.

My impression of adult education has changed immensely. First and foremost, the first lesson learned that teaching adults are a separate, intensive, and long debated process. Portions of certain theories learned illustrated below. I have extended knowledge about Meizrow (Transformational Learning) and Knowles (Andragogy). The six key features of Adult Learners are: