Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory Research Articles

Effects of a Discourse Intervention on End-of-Life Knowledge and Attitudes of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Students.

Several challenges exist to providing effective, formalized end-of-life education for undergraduate nursing students. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of a discourse intervention to the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium Undergraduate Nursing Modules effectively improved junior-level prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward end-of-life care. This quasi-experimental 2-group comparison, pretest/posttest design consisted of a sample of 135 enrolled in a medical-surgical nursing class. Applying Mezirow's transformational learning theory, a 2-hour discourse intervention that included a self-reflective journal, an unfolding case study focused on loss, and a discussion with question-and-answer session was implemented at the completion of the Undergraduate Nursing Modules for the intervention group. Knowledge and attitude toward end-of-life care were measured before and after the intervention with the Palliative Care Quiz for Nurses and the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying. The findings indicated increased knowledge and positive attitude changes. This study supports the value of theory-based educational interventions, like a discourse intervention, to enhance effective pedagogy when addressing emotionally laden content such as end-of-life care. This study may have also given a glimpse of how a global pandemic may affect end-of-life knowledge and attitudes.

Student midwives’ lived experiences of caring for bereaved parents following perinatal loss using actor-based simulation: A phenomenological study

BackgroundStudent midwives frequently encounter bereaved parents in clinical practice; however, the experience of caring for bereaved parents can be a significant source of traumatic stress. Although the use of simulation to teach bereavement care is considered a powerful experiential form of learning, evidence for its effectiveness as a transformative learning strategy is limited. AimTo explore student midwives’ lived experience of caring for bereaved parents experiencing perinatal loss using high-fidelity simulation. DesignStudents midwives participated in an actor-based bereavement simulated scenario. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was conducted to gain a deep understanding of the meaning of the experience. Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory was applied as an analytical framework to illustrate how the student midwives made sense of and learned from the experience of caring for bereaved parents experiencing perinatal loss. SettingOne BSc (Hons), 156-week undergraduate midwifery programme within a university in the Northwest of England. ParticipantsA purposeful sample of nine first-and second-year student midwives volunteered to participate in the study. FindingsOne of the superordinate themes that emerged from the analysis (1) ‘trying to console and making things easier’ and the related subthemes (1a)‘what words can I say’, (1b)‘my instinct was to console the mum’, (1c)‘left to sort of pick up the pieces’ captured the deep sense of powerlessness and the professional dilemmas experienced as students struggled to emotionally console and communicate the right words to say to the grieving parents. ConclusionThe study highlights the vital role of simulation as a defined model of bereavement education that equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide compassionate care to bereaved parents experiencing perinatal loss. Implications for practiceThe emotional toll of caring for bereaved parents is significant, and higher education institutions should adopt experiential forms of learning using actor-based simulation scenarios to emotionally prepare students to care holistically for parents affected by perinatal loss.

Emerging Trends in South African Higher Education: A Critical Analysis of Distance Learning Modalities in Music

This study addresses the dynamic shifts in South African higher education, focusing on integrating distance learning into music education. The proliferation of digital platforms has redefined educational paradigms, necessitating a critical examination of its impact on music pedagogy within the South African context. Employing a qualitative critical analysis methodology, this research leverages existing scientific literature to discern patterns, challenges, and opportunities presented by distance learning modalities. Anchored in Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory, this study investigates emerging trends in distance learning modalities within South African higher education music programmes. Two significant findings emerge: firstly, distance learning fosters student autonomy, enabling self-directed exploration of musical concepts. Secondly, collaborative online environments facilitate cross-cultural musical exchanges, enriching students' cultural understanding and musical proficiency. This study underscores the imperative of harnessing technology for music education in South Africa, emphasising its capacity to democratise access and broaden cultural understanding. The findings contribute to a growing body of literature on transformative learning experiences in music education, offering practical insights for educators and policymakers. As South Africa's educational landscape continues to evolve, this research lays a foundation for the innovative integration of digital platforms, ushering in a new era of inclusive and culturally enriched music education.

ART Praxis: Evidence-Based Strategies for Antiracist Teaching in Nursing.

This integrative review seeks to provide effective teaching and learning strategies for teaching about racism and advancing health equity. Most faculty preparation remains devoid of an exploration of racism and the skills to critique how historical events and socialization create and reinforce the biases that influence how we teach and provide care. It is difficult to teach what we do not know. Using Whittmore and Knafl's approach, we conducted an integrative review of multidisciplinary literature from 2009 to 2021 to uncover best practices for teaching about racism. Seven databases yielded 55 relevant articles from 18 disciplines. Four themes emerged illuminating effective strategies for teaching and learning about systemic racism: encounter education, reflection, discussion, and activism. Findings of this review align with Mezirow's transformative learning theory and highlight the importance of not just "doing" antiracist activities in a course but "becoming" an antiracist educator.

Best practices in online education during COVID‐19: Instructors' perspectives on teaching and learning in higher education

AbstractBy the end of 2019, the World Health Organization was informed about the first unknown pneumonia cases, later labeled the COVID‐19 global pandemic. Based on Mezirow's transformative learning theory, COVID‐19 has been the trigger event that challenged adult learners' values, beliefs, and expectations in higher educational institutions. The study sought to identify best practices across American higher education institutions (HEIs) to adapt their teaching approach to the online environment. It answered the question, “What are the best practices for higher education instructors to adapt their teaching approach to online environments?” This study uses a systematic literature review and an online survey for data collection across HEIs in the United States. The web‐based questionnaire includes fixed‐choice, closed‐ended, and open‐ended questions in four sections: demographic information, attitudes about online education, online teaching and learning strategies, and challenges. The study follows ethical procedures, thematic analysis, and discussion of the findings in the context of existing literature to outline best practices in online higher education during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Transformative learning: An emotional (r)evolution

AbstractThis update to Mezirow's Transformative Learning theory seeks to advance Mälkki's enhancement to the emotional dimension in phase one—the disorienting dilemma—by proposing the need for a complete grief process (as theorized by Kübler‐Ross), to support movement from Mälkki's conceptualization of “edge‐emotions” to a “comfort zone,” thus removing a barrier to a successful transition to phase two and three—self‐reflection and critical reflection—the latter considered essential to the transformative learning process. The authors also seek to stimulate new thinking about this topic in the literature; catalyze future empirical studies focusing on barriers, microprocesses, and phasic transitions of Mezirow's theory; and identify adaptive strategies to facilitate the transformative learning process.

Telling an Untold Story of Pedagogical Practices in Mathematics Education in Nepal: Envisioning an Empowering Pedagogy

Conventional mathematics education practice glorifies the hypothetico-deductive reasoning and accompanying reductionist and piecemeal pedagogy and pushes us into the grips of pouring and 'one-size-fits-all' approach (Freire, 1993; Luitel, 2009; Lamichhane, 2021). It is still being practiced and occupies the dominant role in our schools and universities. In this background, the objectives of this research were to explore the roles of existing pedagogy behind a formation of a transmissionist image of pedagogy, thereby envisioning empowering/ humanizing pedagogical practices. In so doing, I deployed an autoethnography research design (Bochner & Ellis, 2016) under interpretive, critical, and postmodern paradigms (Taylor, Taylor, & Luitel, 2012). Writing as a method of inquiry (Richardson & St. Pierre, 2017) has been used to generate field texts. To interpret and make meaning from the textual information, I have used Habermas's Knowledge Constitutive Interests (Habermas, 1972) and Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow, 1991) as theoretical referents. I have captured the pedagogical practices under three themes: -practice makes a man perfect! I am a successful teacher; he is our supporter! Please protect him! and I do not know anything! Prepare them for the exam. Likewise, a metaphor of empowering/humanizing pedagogy has been proposed as an inclusive pedagogy. Finally, I revealed that empowering/humanizing pedagogy supports connecting mathematical activities to the lifeworld of the learners. It promotes agentic aspects of the learners and helps them to become informed and conscious citizens so that they can contribute to creating an inclusive and socially just society.

Global health-based virtual exchange to improve intercultural competency in students: Long-lasting impacts and areas for improvement.

As public health expands its role in global settings, the need to develop intercultural competency for public health students also grows. One initiative being applied to promote global awareness is the use of virtual exchange (VE) programs. VE programs promote collaborative online international learning (COIL) and allow students from different countries to connect and work together on projects related to their field of study; however, there is little research around the long-term impacts of these programs. Undergraduate pre-health students from the United States who participated in a VE program a year prior were interviewed about their experiences engaging with undergraduate medical students in Egypt. They were asked if the experience impacted their current behaviors, skills, or knowledge, and what improvements could be made to the program. Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) served as the theoretical framework, grounding interview instrument development and directed content analysis procedures. Researchers also engaged in inductive analysis to capture other salient themes. Ten students were interviewed with a majority engaging in either of the two final stages of Mezirow's TLT: "building of self-confidence and self-competence" (60%) and "reintegration" (50%). Other salient themes found were intercultural interactions, VE appreciation, and VE improvements. When describing their experience in one word, students overwhelmingly provided words with positive connotations (80%), with the negative responses being explained by the structure and presentation of the VE. Students were able to apply lessons they learned during the VE within a 1-year follow-up period. This is beneficial, as health professionals require intercultural competency to promote and provide improved health outcomes. Results from this study indicate the need for structure when conducting a VE, addressing the need to increase the number of direct interactions and thereby promoting more intercultural exchanges. Likewise, the interviews demonstrated that changes in course instruction need to be implemented gradually to allow for students to adjust to unfamiliar teaching methods.

Transforming Perspectives Through Virtual Exchange: A US-Egypt Partnership Part 2.

Collaborative online international learning programs, such as virtual exchange, that utilize telecollaborative activities have been integrated into more classrooms within the higher education setting. These programs provide students exposure to international cultures, perspectives, and ideas is no longer considered “value added”, but a prerequisite to entering many workforces. These programmatic objectives compliment Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory, that substantiates two major elements of transformative learning are critical reflection and dialectical discourse. This study presents the second half of a qualitative inquiry into the prominent themes that arose during a virtual exchange that was conducted in March 2021 between students in the United States (US) enrolled in a global public health course and Egyptian microbiology students. This study sought to expand upon the Transformative Learning Theory through inductive analysis procedures to offer a modernized adaptation of the theoretical framework within international learning environments. Student responses enrolled in an undergraduate global public health course were collected and analyzed by two coders using inductive/open coding to identify salient codes. These codes were then summarized into categories and subsequently defined. Resulting themes include Connectedness, Openness, Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills, Communication, Cultural Identity, Anticipation of Options for New Roles, Relationships, and Actions, and Absence of Change. Several themes have corresponding categories and subcategories. Adult learning environments such as the modern college classroom have changed with the introduction and reliance upon online learning domains, as well as the diversification of higher education student demographics, accentuating the need to inductively analyze student learning processes and outcomes. In doing so, our findings provide a modernized adaptation of the Transformative Learning Theory that allows for adult learning theorists, researchers, and scholars to integrate tenets of transformative learning more appropriately. As such, this provides an opportunity for educators to coalesce the identified mechanisms (e.g., openness, cultural background, anticipation of roles and relationships) to bolster student's willingness and ability to engage in transformative critical reflections. By capitalizing on students' innate characteristics, such as open-mindedness predispositions and cultural background, educators are able to augment transformative learning strategies through tailored assignments and course activities.

Transforming Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Care and Education During COVID-19 in a Poor Community of the Cape Flats, South Africa.

In this case study I explored the dilemmas of three early childhood care and education (ECCE) teachers in a poor community in the Cape Flats of Cape Town, South Africa during COVID-19, and how they used these dilemmas to transform their teaching. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants and data was collected through a semi-structured interview and thematically analyzed. Ethical clearance was secured from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Mezirow’s transformative learning theory was used as an analytical framework for the study. In particular, Mezirow’s concept of disorienting dilemmas was used to engage with the dilemmas the ECCE teachers were confronted with during the pandemic. Further, his concept of perspective transformations was used to analyze how the ECCE teachers engaged with these dilemmas to transform their teaching. Findings show that while ECCE teachers’ faced disorienting dilemmas of digital inequity and of children’s interactive play, they also adopted alternative roles and actions as they engaged in dialogue and shared negotiations, ensuring that the functioning of the ECCE centre would continue in solidarity with the children and parents. These findings have important implications for how local government provide financial and digital support for poor communities during times of crisis.

A Transformative Learning Experience for Senior Nursing Students.

Research suggests that clinical practicums in hospital-based settings are important, even if condensed, to provide students with the opportunity for real-world learning experiences. Rational dialogue makes learning meaningful and empowers students to learn by reflecting on experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic minimized availability of traditional one-to-one mentorship practicums. This article describes the use of critical reflection on experiences in an undergraduate senior mentorship course to assess student learning through the thematic analysis of writing assignments. Guided by Mezirow's transformative learning theory, students completed a traditional group clinical practice, written reflective journals and virtual seminars focused on role development, and reflection on concurrent learning in clinical and simulation experiences. Transformative learning was evident in their writing. Student journals demonstrated themes of responding to change, discovering resilience, developing confidence, finding gratitude, embracing advocacy, and transforming and becoming. Through critical reflection, students recognized the opportunities mentorship afforded them, despite challenges.

Abrasive leaders who changed: learning from their experience

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the experience of three formerly abrasive leaders who improved their conduct and management strategies following a workplace intervention.Design/methodology/approachNarrative inquiry, a personal and collaborative research method, revealed the experience of three leaders in their shift from destructive behaviors. Concepts from adult development, specifically Kegan's constructive-development theory (CDT) and Mezirow's transformative learning theory (TL), provided a lens to better understand the leaders' personal development.FindingsThis study culminated with three co-composed narrative accounts and an analysis of narrative threads. The focus of this paper is the interpretive narrative thread analysis. The developmental experience of these three leaders included disruption, awakening and equipping.Research limitations/implicationsThis study included three leaders. The experience of these leaders may not be representative of other formerly abrasive leaders.Practical implicationsThis initial exploratory study contributes to CDT and TL by suggesting leader interpersonal development is an intensely emotional experience that transcends the mechanics of developmental stages. In practice, this study indicates abrasive leaders may improve their conduct and management strategies with organizational support, including supervisor intervention and specialized professionals.Originality/valueThis paper offers insight for scholars and human resource (HR) professionals on the emotionally intense experiential journey of leaders who improved their interpersonal conduct. This study introduces concepts from CDT and TL into the study of workplace psychological aggression (WPA), and it expands the limited knowledge of how HR can support positive perpetrator change.

Propuesta de formación docente para profesores universitarios

La formación docente universitaria debe ofrecer las herramientas que permitan al equipo de profesores desarrollar las competencias en sus estudiantes para hacer frente a un entorno complejo e incierto. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una alternativa de formación para docentes universitarios que responda a las demandas de la sociedad actual. Se fundamenta en la teoría del aprendizaje transformador de Mezirow, el constructivismo sociocultural de Vygotsky y el concepto de comunidades de aprendizaje. Por tratarse de una propuesta enmarcada en una universidad jesuita, se retoma un elemento central de su modelo educativo: la pedagogía ignaciana. En virtud de las dificultades de algunos estudiantes en su proceso de incorporación a la universidad, la propuesta está enfocada a los docentes de primeros semestres, aunque se prevé extenderla paulatinamente a todo el equipo docente. Se espera que este modelo de formación derive en la igualdad de oportunidades de éxito académico para todas las y los estudiantes, especialmente para quienes provienen de entornos desfavorecidos y que se incorporan a programas de nivel Técnico Superior Universitario, o bien, de licenciatura.

Effects of a transformative learning theory based debriefing in simulation: A randomized trial

Debriefing, based on reflection, is imperative in simulation. Mezirow's transformative learning theory (TLT) uses critical reflection in providing care to patients, which involves clinical judgment in nursing. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of TLT-versus a non-TLT–based debriefing protocol on knowledge, problem-solving process, critical thinking disposition, and clinical judgment in nursing students. A randomized controlled trial was performed. Fifty-six junior nursing students were assigned to the TLT (n = 26) and the control (n = 30) groups in South Korea. Debriefing protocols based on Mezirow's TLT for the experimental group and gather-analyze-summarize–based debriefing for the control group were used for four weeks. Scores of the TLT group were significantly higher than those of the control group in the problem-solving process, critical thinking disposition, and clinical judgment of reflection. We identified the main effects of group, time, and time-by-group interaction for clinical judgment (noticing, interpreting, and responding), except for knowledge between the two groups. The TLT debriefing approach in simulation can be tailored to improve problem-solving, critical thinking, and clinical judgment outcomes, which are vital to nursing education related to the provision of care to patients.

Co-creation of a health education program for improving the uptake of HIV self-testing among men in Rwanda: nominal group technique

ObjectiveThis study sought to collaborate with key stakeholders to reach a consensus regarding the predominant barriers preventing the uptake of HIV testing services (HTS) by men and co-create an acceptable educational program to improve the knowledge of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men in Rwanda. MethodsWe employed the nominal group technique to identify a consensus regarding the predominant barriers currently impeding the male uptake of HTS. The health education program content was guided by the ranked barriers. We applied Mezirow's Transformational Learning Theory for curriculum development. ResultsEleven key barriers currently impeding the male uptake of HTS were identified in the nominal group process. The stakeholders co-created an interactive, structured curriculum containing information on the health locus of control; HIV etiology, transmission, diagnosis, status disclosure benefits, care and treatment services; and an overview of the HIVST background and test procedure to address multiple barriers. ConclusionKey stakeholders co-created a comprehensive health education program tailored to men, which integrates education about health beliefs, HIV/AIDS and HIVST. Further studies to assess the effectiveness of the program are needed. It is anticipated that the intervention will improve the uptake of HIVST among men in Kigali, Rwanda.

An evaluation of early career academic nurses’ perceptions of a support program designed to build career-resilience

Early career academic nurses can struggle to meet the demands of career development due to feelings of being overwhelmed. Studies indicate that programs targeting these challenges are often sporadic and inconsistent, leading to dissatisfaction and missed opportunities.This paper reports on findings evaluating a program designed to build career-resilience in a group of early career academic nurses who, through the provision of a structured program of support, were enabled to succeed and thrive in the academy. This six session program was informed by Knowles' adult learning theory, Mezirow's transformational learning theory and Lord's reliance on critical transactions.This study was undertaken in a large metropolitan university in Sydney, Australia. Participants included nine early career academic nurses. All had been full-time academics from one to six years. A qualitative descriptive design was employed using Braun and Clarke's six stage process for data analyses. Three themes emerged: the program fostered connections, strengthened expertise and clarified directions. This analysis provided deep insights into the value of collegial relationships to galvanise career success. The program's strength was its ability to lessen participants' feelings of isolation and to develop behaviours that enhance career-resilience.

Becoming Aware of Compassionate Care Through a Patient's Story: Reflections From First-Year Nursing Students.

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand how faculty members can use literature to teach first-year nursing students about compassionate care and the nursing role. A group of first-year nursing students wrote letters to the author of a book that details his experiences following a catastrophic motor vehicle accident. Thematic analysis of the letters revealed three major themes: Lessons about Compassion through Literature; Changing Personal, Professional, and Educational Perspectives; and Connecting to the Story on a Personal Level. The data was interpreted with the use of Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory (1997). The results of the study show that students' beliefs about the profession of nursing, the role of the nurse in providing compassionate care, and their own education, were transformed. Additionally, using literature was shown to be an effective teaching strategy.

Transformative Music Learning Experiences

This article uses the story of a Chinese immigrant in Brazil and his love of música sertaneja as a starting point to discuss his adaptation to a new society and the way in which his music learning played an important role in this process. Anchored in the ideals of Narrative Inquiry and inspired by Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory, the article then extrapolates from this unique story to present a broad discussion that includes ideas about music education, immigration, identity, individual and social transformation, empowerment, and self-definition. The article concludes with reflections about the importance of music learning to the adaptation of immigrants in general, an idea that has wide applicability, being useful both for immigrants themselves, as well as for teachers and policymakers.

Clinical Debrief: learning and well-being together.

SummaryBackgroundClinical environments can be so stressful to medical students as to be detrimental to their learning and well‐being. Our intervention, Clinical Debrief, integrates learning through clinical experience with the development of positive coping strategies. Students shared cases and experiences during weekly small group classroom discussions, facilitated by general practitioners (from outside their current hospital placement), throughout two consecutive 12‐week blocks of their first clinical year. Alongside enquiry‐based and clinical reasoning learning, we gave students a safe space to reflect on their affect. Our aim was to critically examine students’ views in Clinical Debrief.MethodAnonymised quantitative and qualitative evaluation data were collected over 3 years using online questionnaires on completion of each 12‐week block. The data relating to psychological supervision were analysed independently and in parallel, using thematic analysis for qualitative data.We aim to help students develop positive coping mechanisms, promoting empathy,self‐awarenessand wellbeingResultsA total of 1857 evaluations were extracted (response rate 67%). The median (interquartile range) overall rating for Clinical Debrief sessions was 9 (8–10), where 10 indicates ‘excellent’ and 1 indicates ‘significant improvement needed’. The rating for the supervisory aspects of the sessions and free‐text comments were positive. Students appreciated safe environments, the session structure, facilitator role modelling, transitional support and processing of emotional experiences.DiscussionMandatory integrated longitudinal supervision, using trained clinician facilitators, was positively received by students in transition to clinical placements. Normalising the emotional impact of medical work destigmatises distress. Linking clinical reasoning with affective state awareness to contextualise case management, following Mezirow's transformative learning theory, brings added benefit to learning and well‐being. Student demand for the expansion of Clinical Debrief is evidence of success.

An Adult-Learner Approach to the Learning Design of Safety Management System Training in Aviation

The goal of training is to improve employee performance, and ultimately support organizational success. However, training does not always effectively transfer to workplaces to positively affect work practices, particularly because of disconnect between behaviourist approaches and contemporary work arrangements. The transfer of training to the workplace remains problematic. The present article is motivated by the need to challenge the status quo of training design and draw greater attention to learning design, beyond the confines of behaviourism. The aim of the article is to provoke critical discussion around learning theories and training design. We propose Knowles' adult learning principles and Mezirow's transformative learning theory, useful guide for the learning design of training. The learning design of a university-based safety management systems training course in aviation is discussed from the vantage point of the proposed guiding philosophy. Six specific strategies are presented supported by the evaluation of the course effectiveness conducted after the first iteration.