Transformative Learning through Creative Life Writing

Part II

Understanding mechanisms of change in transformative learning

 

 

There are two main strands of thinking in the attempt to understand the nature of deep individual change taking place in transformative learning: the original one deriving from Jack Mezirow and the early response to this by Robert Boyd and colleagues. For Mezirow, transformative learning:

transforms problematic frames of reference – sets of fixed assumptions and expectations (habits of mind, meaning perspectives, mind-sets) – to make them more inclusive, discriminating, open, reflective, and emotionally able to change. Such frames of reference are better than others because they are more likely to generate beliefs and opinions that will prove more true or justified to ...