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Reading Summary 7

This document summarizes Jack Mezirow's theory of transformative learning. Transformative learning involves modifying one's habits of mind and frames of reference through critical reflection. It occurs when learners adopt new perspectives to improve their understanding. Jürgen Habermas' idea of communicative learning is also important, as it helps learners grasp new values and beliefs through social learning and discourse. Educators can facilitate transformative learning by encouraging autonomous thinking, collaborative learning activities, and modeling critical reflection to help students evaluate their own perspectives. The reading will help the author in their role as a peer mentor by informing how to design lab activities that promote students' autonomous thinking and sharing of ideas to strengthen their understanding.

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47 views

Reading Summary 7

This document summarizes Jack Mezirow's theory of transformative learning. Transformative learning involves modifying one's habits of mind and frames of reference through critical reflection. It occurs when learners adopt new perspectives to improve their understanding. Jürgen Habermas' idea of communicative learning is also important, as it helps learners grasp new values and beliefs through social learning and discourse. Educators can facilitate transformative learning by encouraging autonomous thinking, collaborative learning activities, and modeling critical reflection to help students evaluate their own perspectives. The reading will help the author in their role as a peer mentor by informing how to design lab activities that promote students' autonomous thinking and sharing of ideas to strengthen their understanding.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Reading Summary 7- Transformative Learning: Theory to Practice Alicia Srinivasagam

CMCL 507

Jack Mezirow discusses the transformative learning process and its role in the creation of adult
thinking and learning in Transformative Learning: Theory to Practice. The article begins with
the discussion of transformative learning theory, which involves student’s habits of mind and
frame of reference. Habits of mind are a person’s normal ways of thinking and acting, which are
influenced by the learner’s social, educational, or economic position. Frames of reference are
structures of assumptions that learners have, which define how they interpret their surroundings.
Students experience transformative learning when they are able to modify or adopt new frames
of reference or points of view to improve their understanding and gain adaptive expertise. The
foundation for this type of learning is usually acquired in childhood; children learn to control
emotions and think critically and hypothetically to understand new things. In order to experience
meaningful learning, assumptions must be investigated and transformed by deepening existing
points of view, becoming aware of biases, modifying opinions, or establishing new perspectives.
The transformations of a student’s frame of reference is accomplished through critical reflection
on perspective, which leads to modification of point of view, deeper understanding, and personal
development.
Jürgen Habermas’ idea of communicative learning is discussed as an important concept
as well. The author suggests this form of education is ideal for promoting transformative
learning, as it helps leaners to grasp values, feelings, and beliefs associated with a concept or
skill through social learning. This collaborative understanding is built through discourse; this
dialogue allows for examination and reflection on alternative points of view. By learning
together students achieve a common understanding that is associated with emotion and deeper
meaning. Discourse and communicative learning encourage students to critically reflect on their
point of view. They are able to recognize their assumptions in their frame of reference and make
changes which allow for a more inclusive point of view and lead to personal growth and
development. In order for students to grow into lifelong learners, they must be able to think
autonomously and share their point of view in a collaborative context. This critical thinking skill
is developed through communicative learning as is essential to success in the modern workplace
and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Educators can help to create responsible adult learners by assisting students in achieving
short term goals, as well as creating learning objectives that promote communicative learning
and autonomous thinking. Instructors can facilitate discussion that acts as discourse, helping
students to recognize their own assumptions and broaden their perspectives. Instructors can also
create an environment where students can develop their skills as learners. Teachers and mentors
are able to foster collaborative learning through facilitation, rather than be in a position of
authority. The social aspect of transformative learning is essential to student development;
collaborative learning and group discussion are therefore essential classroom activities for the
development of autonomous thinking. Educators must also model critical reflection to encourage
students to evaluate their own perspectives.
This reading will be helpful to me as a peer mentor. The labs in my host course are
designed to help students learn experientially while working in groups. I believe that students
have the potential to experience transformative learning in the lab by thinking autonomously and
sharing their own perspectives, helping each other to gain new knowledge and skills. I can help
students through collaborative learning by facilitating group discussion when they are struggling
to come to an understanding. This discussion can act as discourse, where students can share their
ideas and collectively come to a conclusion. This facilitation will strengthen their understanding
encouraging them to think autonomously and share their thoughts freely to help the group learn.

(610 words)

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