Transformative Learning Experiences at Trice Global Education

Transformative learning involves critically reassessing beliefs and understandings. It combines learner-centric theory with cognitive processes like critical thinking and metacognition for effective results.

Mezirow asserts that for adults to engage in transformative learning, they must first experience an unsettling dilemma that challenges their personal world view and prompts a self-examination of understandings as well as perspective transformation, where students realize that previous meaning perspectives may no longer apply.

Transformative Learning

Transformative learning is an educational approach designed to help your child adapt to a rapidly-evolving environment, encouraging them to question their beliefs and assumptions while developing critical thinking and open-mindedness. Inspired by sociology professor Jack Mezirow's works, transformative learning emphasizes experience-based learning as opposed to textbook knowledge as the source of wisdom.

Beginning the journey requires first confronting an upsetting dilemma or situation which challenges existing beliefs or worldviews, such as an adverse event in one's life or uncovering new perspectives about the universe. After confronting such an event or discovering alternative views of existence, critical reflection - whether content reflection, process reflection or premise reflection (the latter type being essential for perspective change) takes place.

Self examination may cause feelings of guilt and shame, yet these emotions should not deter students or self-learners from continuing with this stage. After conducting their initial analysis, students or self learners must perform a critical analysis of their epistemic, sociocultural, and psychic assumptions in order to recognize whether any previous beliefs may have been incorrect and open themselves up to change in perspective.

Once learners realize others are experiencing similar disorienting circumstances, they find comfort in sharing experiences. Furthermore, they understand their new perspectives will impact how they interact with those around them.

Personal Growth

Transformative learning experiences aim to alter how a person perceives things, making it possible for them to alter their perspective and alter how they view the world. Transformative learning takes time, can be both painful and rewarding, requires constant self-examination and analysis of beliefs and assumptions while exploring new environments or perspectives - ultimately making people more self-motivated, self-governing rational, empathetic individuals.

Educational theorist Jack Mezirow identifies ten stages involved in transformative learning. They include:

Disorienting Dilemma: When faced with a situation that has the potential to challenge their current worldview, individuals may become disoriented and confused over how best to respond and act in response. Self-examination and feelings of guilt or shame arise as an individual examines his or her beliefs and assumptions related to the disorienting dilemma; critical assessment identifies where assumptions may be limited or inaccurately represented; learner recognizes current assumptions as limited and inaccurate representations.

At this stage, learners create a plan for moving forward. They acquire knowledge and skills needed to implement this new plan, while exploring and taking on new roles - becoming aware that an alternative view of reality is achievable and that they can build a brighter future.

Intercultural Learning

Intercultural learning refers to any process by which students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, other cultures and their own cultural values and beliefs. Through intercultural communication tools such as translation software or phone apps that facilitate this type of learning, intercultural learners gain empathy. Furthermore, this type of education allows the student to become aware of his or her culture and traditions, helping to alleviate homesickness or culture shock when living abroad.

One study provides evidence of intercultural learning: it found that international students who participate in courses focused on intercultural competence experienced more ease with assimilation into their host culture. Intercultural learning also acts as a vehicle for social justice - students gain a deeper insight into global inequality issues that exist both locally and beyond, which motivates them to act on behalf of humanity as global citizens.

Transformative learning, developed by Jack Mezirow, refers to an educational experience where adults undergo a significant change in their lives, perspectives, and values due to direct or critical reflection of experiences they've undergone. Mezirow's transformative learning model identifies 10 steps that enable learners to move from their current worldview towards one that's different; such changes may come about directly or through reflection upon past events or both. Such forms of transformational learning are best supported through experiential learning methods like service or community-based learning programs (HIPs).

Career Development

Transformative Learning Theory emphasizes how an individual can transform their perspectives, beliefs and understanding of the world around them through critical reflection and engagement with new ideas or experiences. Developed by educational theorist Jack Mezirow, transformative learning theory is especially pertinent in adult education environments where daily challenges require individuals to reassess their assumptions and outlook on the world.

First and foremost is becoming aware of our past perspective. Once students recognize that their old understanding may no longer apply in this situation, they can initiate a plan to adjust it by closely examining what's happening, considering new perspectives, and sharing experiences with people they trust.

Once an individual has developed their plan of action, it's crucial that they put it into effect in order to gain true knowledge from this new point of view. Engaging in social activism or going on a global internship are both ways in which this can occur; acting upon one can bring true knowledge.

While transformative learning may traditionally be seen as a classroom activity, many institutions of higher education are applying its concepts in online courses as well. A high quality platform enables ample time to formulate thoughts and replies; enough room to discuss personal beliefs without fear of losing face; interactive simulations or video case studies which facilitate deeper dives into topics.