Let's Discuss: What role has transformative learning played in your ability to complete the Master of Education Program?

What role has transformative learning played in your ability to complete the Master of Education Program? Kroth & Cranton's (2014) work stated that because transformative learning involves the transformation of our assumptions and the assumptions of the world around us, transformative learning is a critical component of adult learning. What a great statement, and I agree. Transformative learning was a significant factor in my completion of this course. Although I have been an adjunct professor for more than six years, I have never received training in teaching. Sure, even in the military, where I have taught many types of lessons, there was very little learning or teaching theory discussions or training as part of my development. Even as an adjunct, I was given the role of teaching classes without knowing what it takes to teach or even be good at it. Have I learned over the years? Yes, am I still learning, yes? This degree program was specifically selected because I wanted to get the basics in practice, and I have been enlightened. Without rehashing all my thoughts from the past course outcome reflection discussions, this program was very influential in my development. People have often referred to me as a teacher; however, I never felt like one. I told a colleague recently that I needed to complete this degree if I want educators in the community to take me seriously (i.e., transforming my assumptions and the assumptions of the world around me.)

What is the role of transformative learning for your students? Kroth & Cranton's (2014) also stated that the true extent to which transformative theory can be generalized to younger learners remains unseen, and I agree with this assessment. The future potentials of our learners can't be quantified; however, our efforts as educators can. If we've done our parts, put learners and their experiences first, given of our time and energies, and have met our courses' local, state, and federal requirements, one can claim success. I assert it is not until our learners have gone off and made positive contributions to society that we will honestly know if we have made a difference in their lives. Sure, to date, I still get email messages from past students thanking me for what I've done for them in their degree journeys, but that is only a snapshot of a brief point in their lives as they are in transition onto other levels of greatness. The learner must fully embrace transformative learning and assess their assumptions or the world they live in. Did I have those teachers, counselors, administrators, and family members on my side along the way, indeed, and I was genuinely thankful, but I needed to own my final destiny.

Within your professional practice as an educator or educational leader, how will you foster transformative learning? Meeting the needs of learners, imparting knowledge of the subject matter, developing the right attitude for teaching, and tapping into the proper instructional resources available to me are only a few ways I foster transformative learning. Have these techniques worked so far, yes? WGU (2020), stated although also referred to as transformation learning, this learning theory focuses on the idea that learners adjust their thinking based on the introduction of new information and I add that is the same for educators as well. Will they continue to be the most effective way of meeting the evolving educational platform, no? However, my goal is not to stifle learning by holding on to antiquated teaching techniques but by embracing new, innovative, and tested approaches to further learning. To be transformative, we as educators must be open to change.

References

Kroth, M., & Cranton, P. (2014). Stories of transformative learning. BRILL.

Western Governors University (2020). What is the transformative learning theory? Retrieved from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-transformative-learning-theory2007.html