Learning as Transformation: Critical Perspectives on a Theory in Progress (Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) [Hardcover]

Jack Mezirow and Associates (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0787948454 | ISBN-13: 978-0787948450 | Publication Date: September 1, 2000 | Edition: 1

"Provocative and illuminating, this book is a must read for adult educators seeking to understand and facilitate transformational learning. It showcases a stellar group of authors who not only engage each other and the reader in constructive discourse, but who also model the heart of the transformational learning process."
--Sharan B. Merriam, Department of Adult Education, University of Georgia

This volume continues the landmark work begun by Jack Mezirow over twenty years ago--revealing the impact of transformative learning on the theory and practice of adult education. Top scholars and practitioners review the core principles of transformation theory, analyze the process of transformative learning, describe different types of learning and learners, suggest key conditions for socially responsible learning, explore group and organizational learning, and present revelations from the latest research. They also share real-world examples drawn from their own experiences and assess the evolution of transformative learning in practice and philosophy. Learning as Transformation presents an intimate portrait of a powerful learning concept and invites educators, researchers, and scholars to consider the implications of transformative learning in their own professional work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Over the last twenty years, Jack Mezirow has put transformational learning theory on the map, and he continues to stimulate significant intellectual activity in this area. This lively and highly readable book brings together scholars who have embraced Mezirow's theory within the field of adult education and beyond." (Carolyn Clark, associate professor of adult education, Texas A&M University)

"Provocative and illuminating, this book is a must read for adult educators seeking to understand and facilitate transformational learning. It showcases a stellar group of authors who not only engage each other and the reader in constructive discourse, but who also model the heart of the transformational learning process." (Sharan B. Merriam, Department of Adult Education, University of Georgia)

"Learning as Transformation goes to the heart of an age-old dilemma: the link between personal and social change and how we change ourselves to adapt to or challenge the circumstances that surround us." (Mark Tennant, professor of adult education, University of Technology, Sydney)

From the Inside Flap

In 1978, Jack Mezirow introduced the concept of transformative learning in his groundbreaking study of women who returned to community college to continue their education. As their understanding of personal, cultural, and social histories grew, so did the students' ability to modify their assumptions and expectations of learning. Since that time, transformative learning has inspired a significant body of research and theory. This volume continues the work begun over twenty years ago—revealing the impact of transformative learning on the theory and practice of adult education.Fifteen of the field's top scholars and practitioners join Jack Mezirow in these pages. Together, they review the core principles of transformation theory, analyze the process of transformative learning, describe different types of learning and learners, suggest key conditions for socially responsible learning, explore group and organizational learning, and present revelations from the latest research. They also share real-world examples drawn from their own experiences as educators and assess the evolution of transformative learning in practice and philosophy. Learning as Transformation presents an intimate portrait of a powerful learning concept and invites educators, researchers, and scholars to consider the implications of transformative learning in their own professional work.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787948454
• ISBN-13: 978-0787948450
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars understanding transformation, April 29, 2001

By 

linda danson (swindon near london, uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learning as Transformation: Critical Perspectives on a Theory in Progress (Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) (Hardcover)

Jack Mezirow et al have provided an excellent resource book for helping us to change attitudes and tackle difficult situations.

As a LearningSupport Tutor in further education (16 years and over) the reviewer is often in contact with students who have challenging behaviour and finds herself in situations that require a shift in perspective, 'epistomology' and 'frame referencing'. This book provides the forum for doing the essential work. But it is not for the faint-hearted reader, neither is it light reading; this book is for thinkers: it's meanings are not always instantly accessible.

That said, for those who are serious about their profession, searching always for ways to improve their teaching, evaluation and reflection, this is the book to go for. Those readers who experience difficulty in accessing the academic language may benefit from discussions in the staff room and it is certainly a book that deserves studying on teacher-training courses.

Although the book is written with the adult learner in mind, teachers of younger teenagers may well find a lot of useful information here.

There is much food for thought in 'Learning as Transformation' and it is a book that can be read and digested like a series of good meals. This reviewer is doing just that and enjoying the experience.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learning as Transformation, October 19, 2009

By 

Robin Wilson (Middlesboro, KY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learning as Transformation: Critical Perspectives on a Theory in Progress (Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) (Hardcover)

Jack Mezirow provides a theoretical foundation for education that is easily integrated into any discipline.

1 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great service, September 15, 2008

By 

Misty D. Lambert (columbia, mo) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learning as Transformation: Critical Perspectives on a Theory in Progress (Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) (Hardcover)

I could not have been more happy with the service I received or the product when it arrived.