Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning (TL) (1991) is based on the idea that real learning results in a change of perspective which then becomes transformative learning. It is not an exaggeration to call TL life changing learning. This learning changes the way the learner thinks, which changes the way the learner feels, and ultimately how the learner behaves. Now for you hardcore educators and therapists, I know this is an over simplification, but at its heart, the goal of TL is to effect lasting changes in the life of the learner.
Now here is the two-edged sword: on the one side is my contention that this should happen all the time in our class rooms. On the other side is the agreement with many articles on the subject that state that true transformative learning rarely takes place. It may be rare, but I can recall times when I came across an idea in class that felt like a slap in the face.
Just like the proverbial “salt of the Earth” which keeps things from going bad, I hope every day to say even one thing that might at least change some student’s life and at least maybe keep them from going bad, and at best add a little flavor to their lives. But I still chase after that idea, or phrase, or something that might affect my students the same way some truth affected me.
Some days they look at me wich such bored expressions. Other days I know they will go home and if their parents ask “What did you learn today?” they will have an answer.
And it will be a good one.
