Clark B. Montgomery M.Ed. Extension Cohort Learning Task #3 May 17, 1999

WHO ARE THE EXPERTS?

As work continues towards completion of this M.Ed. degree, it's becoming more and more obvious that one of the more recent, promising and effective approaches to adult education involves Transformative Learning. Although the theory of transformative learning is apparently not commonly known or well understood by most educators, in practice it has been an important part of Extension and other adult education efforts. Furthermore, many believe the concept of transformative learning has implications that go far beyond the realm of adult education. The challenge this presents to the conventional/traditional dogma of academia appears to be limiting its acceptance as a valuable tool for all education.

The list of experts I have compiled are recognized authorities in the area of Transformative Learning. It's interesting to note that in conducting a PALS (Project for Automated Library System) search to physically locate some writings, there seemed to be a common thread regarding where various texts are located. In Minnesota, the various Technical Colleges seemed to be in possession of more of these works than were the state's degree granting institutions. Furthermore, a large number of these works are published by Jossey-Bass Publications within their Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Educatioin Series.

My experts include:

Jack Mezirow

Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning, 1991 Fostering Critical Reflection in Adulthood, 1990 How Critical Reflection Triggers Transformative Learning, 1980

Patricia Cranton

Transformative Learning in Action, 1997 Professional Development as Transformative Learning, 1996 Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning, 1994

Paulo Freire

Culture, Power and Liberation, 1990 Education for Critical Consciousness, 1973 Pedagogy of the Oppressed, 1973

Stephen Brookfield

Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher, 1995 Profiles in Adult Learning, 1989 Critical Thinking, 1989 Self-Directed Learning: From Theory to Practice, 1985

Mark Tennant

Psychology and Adult Learning, 1997 Learning and Change in the Adult Years, 1995

Among Extension Staff:

Sue Damme Staff Development Leader

-- Anonymous, May 18, 1999

Answers

I believe also that, unfortunately, the theory of transformative learning is not commonly known or well understood by most educators, It is great that it has been an important part of Extension and other adult education efforts--do you think it is the "touch with the REAL world" that accounts for that fact? As I have said more than once, academia has a lot to learn from the real world! I also believe the concept of transformative learning has implications that go far beyond the realm of adult education. In my mind, this is the kind of learning that Paulo Freire does with adults and I am adamant about using the approach with children. Some think I'm nuts, but of course, I don't think so!

I'm so excited about this work you are doing....on to California???

-- Anonymous, May 21, 1999