Transformative Learning: A Section Introduction

Abstract

At a time when digital technologies and techniques are subjecting every aspect of our lives to increasing levels of uncertainty, the relevance of transformational learning to adult education has never been greater. The pioneering work in the field by Mezirow (Transformative dimensions of adult learning. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1991), Boyd (Personal Transformation in small groups. Routledge, London, 1991), and Cranton (Understanding and promoting transformative learning: a guide for educators of adults. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1994, Transformative learning in action: insights from practice. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1997) has provided educators with a framework that can enable learners to experience genuine transformations of their understanding toward many of the core assumptions that had underpinned their lives. Therefore, this section overviews transformative learning from theory to practice.