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  • © 2015

A Novel Idea

Researching Transformative Learning in Fiction

  • Seven fictional characters meet at the Butterfly CafĂ© to engage in conversations about transformative learning.

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xi
  2. The Setting

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 1-2
  3. The Quest

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 3-6
  4. Point of View

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 7-16
  5. The Butterfly Cafe

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 17-60
  6. The Resolution

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 61-74
  7. Denouement

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 75-78
  8. Retrospective

    • Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton
    Pages 79-86
  9. Back Matter

    Pages 87-92

About this book

Lawrence and Cranton present a unique research methodology involving fictional characters as research participants. Transformative learning themes are identified through a content analysis of six contemporary novels. The characters from these novels are invited to come to a virtual space, the Butterfly Café where they engage in a series of dialogues on the research themes related to their transformative learning experiences. Each of the dialogues is followed by a debriefing session to deepen the understanding of the original themes
Readers are given a window into Lawrence and Cranton’s analysis and interpretive process as they engage in dialogue with Celie from the Color Purple, Macon from Accidental Tourist, Mariam and Laila from A Thousand Splendid Suns, and others. The dialogues become a story within the stories told in the novels.
The end product is the introduction of a new model of transformative learning based on a metaphor of planting, cultivating, and growing seeds. Central to the model is becoming conscious, a process that appeared in each of the novels.
Readers will find insights into transformative learning that are outside of the standard academic treatment of the topic. Moving the research into the realm of fiction provides the opportunity for a creative exploration of transformative learning. Yet, since fiction inevitably mirrors reality, readers will be able to relate the analysis, the dialogues, and the ensuing model to their own lives and to their adult education practice.

Authors and Affiliations

  • National Louis University, Chicago, USA

    Randee Lipson Lawrence

  • University of New Brunswick, Canada

    Patricia Cranton

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: A Novel Idea

  • Book Subtitle: Researching Transformative Learning in Fiction

  • Authors: Randee Lipson Lawrence, Patricia Cranton

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-037-6

  • Publisher: SensePublishers Rotterdam

  • eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, Education (R0)

  • Copyright Information: SensePublishers-Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2015

  • eBook ISBN: 978-94-6300-037-6Published: 25 June 2015

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XII, 92

  • Topics: Education, general

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access