Transformative Experience Research Articles

“It’s a fight with your mind”: Experiences and meaning of occupation among men detained in immigration removal centres within the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT People detained in immigration detention facilities are directly and intentionally excluded from participating in occupations within society and experience negative health consequences. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to illuminate the experiences and meaning of occupation within this restrictive physical and social environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four men who were previously detained. Three group experiential themes arose from the transcripts: 1) Occupational context of detention: Confusion, uncertainty, incarceration; 2) Doing is a fight with your mind; and 3) Resisting to survive, surviving to resist. All participants experienced occupational deprivation; but, at times, participants connected positive meanings such as hope, resistance, and collective action to their occupational experiences. Alongside the occupational deprivation inherent to immigration detention there are possibilities for experiencing purposeful occupation imbued with positive meanings. The study illuminates the possibilities of more socially transformative occupational experiences, despite contextual constraints and limited opportunities.

Mountains Mysteries: Unraveling the Mystical Allure of Mount Everest and Mount Annapurna

This article explores the mysterious and mystical allure of Mount Everest and Mount Annapurna, delving into the rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and historical narratives associated with these towering peaks. Drawing upon the perspectives of geographers, mountaineers, and authors, the article navigates the spiritual significance of high–altitude mountains like Mount Everest and Mount Annapurna, and the captivating legends of mythical beings like Yeti. The narrative unfolds with a vivid portrayal of the sacredness attributed to the Himalayan region, emphasizing the belief in deities and spirits inhabiting these majestic peaks. It also sheds light on the transformative experiences of climbers who, despite acknowledging the risks and challenges, find liberation, joy, and a profound connection with nature upon reaching the summit. The article concludes by highlighting the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas, drawing on the accounts of climbers and authors who describe the sublime landscapes, pristine environments, and the spiritual resonance that makes these mountains a timeless source of inspiration and fascination.

UNDERSTANDING THEORY OF DETACHMENT AND MYSTICISM IN CONTEXT OF BHAGAVAD GITA

Mysticism had been used as a term in 3rd century specially in christian community for Biblical aspects. The term usually means at that time ‘spiritual marriage’ between supreme soul and human being. God was one and omnipresence in ancient times, at that time humans can easily get one with God by simply performing prayers and chanting, no specific mystic performance or experiences have been given much attention. In ancient times lower casts and women were not allowed to perform mystical activities, they hardly given permission to listen those chanting. Today time has changed every entity has been given equal rights to perform religious activities according to their own choices. Religion is playing a vital role in social and communal relations.In today’s life mysticism mainly focuses on the belief, that leads union with the absolute or becoming one with god, which is the central idea of Bhagavad Gita also. Gita has been considered as highly religious scripture in present scenario, which is likely to be written in 1st and 2nd Century, as an episode in Indian Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, in form of a conversation between Arjuna (living entity) and Lord Krishna (supreme soul). Bhagavad Gita explains the concept that every living entity is a part and parcel of supreme soul, who is Lord Krishna himself. There is a hidden meaning in life and each life should be unite with God. It is related to intuitive understanding of human existence and revealing the truths of life, which tries to solve the problems of present day life. This book have the power to bring light in the darkest ignorance.This paper is an attempt to contextualize the role of mystic experiences in human transformation, socially and individually. My focus will be to point out the changes, in religious activities and performances from time to time and reasons behind those changes. And also to find out the role of mysticism and spirituality in solving day to day life problems.

The Future of Education: Trends and Innovations in Teaching and Learning

The landscape of education is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing student needs, and shifts in pedagogical approaches. This paper explores the future of education by examining emerging trends and innovations in teaching and learning. It discusses the impact of digital technologies, personalized learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and global collaboration on the educational landscape. Additionally, the paper explores the role of educators as facilitators of learning, the importance of fostering 21st-century skills, and the potential of inclusive and equitable education. By embracing these trends and innovations, educators can create dynamic, engaging, and transformative learning experiences that prepare students for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Making engineering education more sustainable through community-based learning and teaching

Community-based learning and teaching offers engineering students a transformative educational experience that extends beyond textbooks, labs and classrooms by engaging students in co-creation activities with local community as part of their formal learning. By immersing themselves in real-world community contexts, engineering students develop practical skills, cultivate a sense of social responsibility, and become well-rounded professionals prepared to tackle the intricate challenges of our ever-evolving world. Community-based learning and teaching takes engineering education beyond the confines of ‘in-house’ produced project proposal briefs, leads to better opportunities for interdisciplinary learning (beyond engineering ‘subdisciplines’) and more opportunities for creativity and flexibility in how engineering problems are approached and solved. As part of an institution-wide study, in this paper we share specific findings from engineering educators, as well as university-wide engagement professionals and those supporting teaching and learning (24 in total), on the barriers and opportunities to community-based learning and teaching approaches. Using semi-structured interviews, we used thematic analysis to generate a series of themes which aligned with four key beneficiaries within engineering education: academics, students and community partners and university. Our findings reveal the values and expectations, employability benefits and infrastructural considerations to implement this type of learning as part of future-facing and sustainable curricula in engineering. This includes areas such as motivation, role of the community, partnership building, development of leadership skills and networking and financial planning and relationship management. The findings also provide useful context-specific recommendations for educators seeking to develop their own sustainable approaches towards facilitating community-based learning and teaching in engineering disciplines.

Can negative dark tourism transformative experiences promote tourists’ well-being?

Drawing on identity development theory, this study examines the relationships between negative dark tourism transformative experiences (NDTTEs), self-reflection, self-rumination, self-discovery, and well-being to corroborate a model explaining how NDTTEs contribute to tourists’ well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 684 tourists who had visited dark tourism sites over the past three years. Two constructs representing NDTTEs were identified (anger and disgust, pain and sadness), and the results indicated that NDTTEs were predictors of self-reflection and self-rumination. Unexpectedly, self-reflection negatively affected self-rumination. Self-reflection and self-rumination were determinants of self-discovery, which subsequently affected well-being. This study offers a new theoretical lens for understanding the role of dark tourism in promoting tourists’ well-being.

Budget Gadget a Price Comparison Website

Abstract—In today’s dynamic technological landscape, the quest for budget-friendly yet highquality electronic gadgets remains a paramount concern for consumers worldwide. “Budget Gadget” emerges as a pioneering solution to cater to this burgeoning demand, offering an intuitive platform designed to simplify the process of discovering affordable gadgets across diverse categories. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as React.js, MongoDB, and Node.js, Budget Gadget sets out to revolutionize the way users explore and acquire electronic devices. The essence of Budget Gadget lies in its user-centric approach, prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and functionality. Through a seamless integration of intuitive user interfaces and robust backend infrastructure, Budget Gadget aims to empower users with the ability to make informed purchasing decisions tailored to their specific budgetary constraints and preferences. By curating a diverse selection of gadgets spanning smartphones, laptops, smart home devices, wearables, and more, Budget Gadget endeavours to serve as a comprehensive hub for tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike..As a testament to its commitment to excellence, Budget Gadget undergoes continuous refinement and enhancement, driven by user feedback, market trends, and technological advancements. With a relentless focus on delivering unparalleled value and utility, Budget Gadget stands poised to redefine the landscape of budget-friendly gadget shopping, offering a transformative experience that empowers consumers to navigate the digital marketplace with confidence and ease. Keywords – Budget Gadget Platform, Affordable Tech, Price Comparison, Informed Decisions, User Empowerment, Digital Marketplace, Gadget Shopping, Tech Enthusiasts, Innovation, Consumer Electronics.

Assessing the role of technology in enhancing the authentic tourist experience

PurposeThe study aims to review how the use of technology enhances the authentic tourist experience. Technology and digitalization have enhanced tourist experiences. However, critiques comment on its ability to over-commercialize activity and lack of authenticity. Thus, there is a need to synthesize knowledge of technology usage to increase authentic tourist experience.Design/methodology/approachThe study carries out a bibliometric review of the studies focusing on the use of technology in enhancing tourist experiences. Two hundred journal articles, published between 1997 and 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database to carry out descriptive and network analysis using the Gephi, VOSviewer and Science of Science (Sci2) software. The components of authentic tourism experience are identified from the literature through a content analysis.FindingsThe findings of the study are broadly classified into two: first, the most frequently used keywords in the study include tourist experience and satisfaction, co-creation, virtual reality, smart tourism, technology, authenticity and heritage tourism. Second, the five major themes studied in the topic include virtual reality and tourist experience; media, tourist experience and encounters; technology, smart tourism and tourist experience; digital transformation, social media and tourist experience; and virtual reality and tourist experience which are still relevant in the literature because of the presence of study gaps.Originality/valueThe findings are used to develop a conceptual framework for the role of technology in enhancing authenticity in tourism typologies where authenticity is critical.

A Transformative Trip? Experiences of Psychedelic Use

Psychedelic experiences are often compared to “transformative experiences” due to their potential to change how people think and behave. This study empirically examines whether psychedelic experiences constitute transformative experiences. Given psychedelics’ prospective applications as treatments for mental health disorders, this study also explores neuroethical issues raised by the possibility of biomedically directed transformation—namely, consent and moral psychopharmacology. To achieve these aims, we used both inductive and deductive coding techniques to analyze transcripts from interviews with 26 participants in psychedelic retreats. Results indicate that psychedelic experiences can constitute transformative experiences. Twenty participants reported experiences or insights that were seemingly inaccessible or impossible to attain if not for the psychoactive effects of psychedelics. All participants besides one reported some change in identity, values, beliefs, desires, and behavior—changes in behavior being the most common. Participants also reported feeling capable deciding to use psychedelics in part due to information seeking prior to their retreats. Finally, several participants reported an enhanced capacity for enacting changes in their lives. Our results underscore both the importance of subjective embodiment to transformation and the role of transformative agency in shaping outcomes of the psychedelic experience. We examine our results relative to neuroethical issues and advocate for centering the person in psychedelic research and neuroethical inquiry about psychedelics to avoid pitfalls associated with psychedelics’ potential as moral psychopharmacological agents.

The third space, student and staff co-creation of gamified informal learning: an emerging model of co-design

This article draws from the authors’ exploration of an innovative third space approach to engaging students with informal learning through the use of co-design and co-creation, which sits outside traditional subject delivery spaces. The third space project, the Digital Citizenship Programme, centres on the transformative experience and dialogic encounter for participants. The third space in this context was constituted by co-design and co-production involving students, alumni, academics and professional service staff. The project evaluated third space activity in terms of co-design, through its development process and in what is achieved by participants’ engagement with it. The aims were to analyse the mutuality and relational aspects of the innovative pedagogic intervention; the development of transferable skills and agentic development in the third space; and the dialogic experience for participants. The research data were collected over a period of three years, using focus groups, co-creation workshop observations and field notes. This project builds on the body of research that focuses on partnerships with students that fall under the umbrella of the third space. The article underlines the importance of co-creation approaches in building the relational and dialogic dynamic in higher education spaces.

The irrationality of human confidence that an ageless existence would be better

Transhumanists and their fellow travelers urge humanity to prioritize the development of biotechnologies that would eliminate aging, delivering ‘an endless summer of literally perpetual youth.’ Aspiring not to age instantiates what philosopher Martha Nussbaum calls the yearning for ‘external transcendence,’ or the fundamental surpassing of human bounds due to confidence that life without them would be better. Based on Immanuel Kant’s account of the parameters of human understanding, I argue that engineering agelessness could not be a rational priority for humanity on the level of public policy. This stance is complemented by an argument focused on individual decision-making in liberal-democratic milieus, where no governing conception of the good is presumed and the first-personal level matters greatly. Here, drawing on philosopher and cognitive scientist Laurie Ann Paul’s concept of ‘transformative experience,’ I maintain that individuals could not ‘rationally,’ meaning, here, ‘prudentially,’ say ‘yes’ to agelessness. Absorbing the irrationality of human zeal to eliminate aging, based on assurance that an ageless existence would be better, should spur a redoubled dedication to human flourishing.

The lived experiences of transformations: The role of sense-making and phenomenology analyses

Studies of transformative change have been making headway in understanding the complexity of societal transformation processes. Yet, we lack understanding of how people’s lived experiences of transformations both shape and are shaped by meaning-making processes. In addressing this gap, we make two assumptions: Firstly, change processes comprise interactions between social actors that shape the way they are made sense of and experienced by the people involved in such interactions. Secondly, such change processes involve transformative experiences, which can bring to light previously taken-for-granted dimensions of lived experience. To address this research gap, we describe two complementary tools for analysing transformations: dialogical sense-making and critical phenomenology. These approaches share a focus on the experiential and sense-making dimensions, yet ask distinctly different kinds of questions and use different methods. Dialogical sense-making explores how people create meanings around transformations through various social interactions. Critical phenomenology analyses subjectivity, lived experience and structures that make possible and help shape experience. When brought into dialogue with each other, they allow for richer analyses of how the sense or meaning of transformations is constituted in experience.

Raëlism: An Unconventional Religious Pathway to Transhumanism

Raëlism is a controversial new religious movement that originated in France in the 1970s and has since spread around the world. The movement’s core tenets are rooted in science, technology, and freedom and can be summarized as a blend of science and spirituality, millenarianism, revelation, story, pseudoscience, and reinterpretation. Raëlians believe in the extraterrestrial origin of humanity and promote the pursuit of higher consciousness, inner peace, individual empowerment, and peace-building. To this end, the movement offers a series of seminars that aim to provide a transformative experience for participants and leads various social initiatives and projects at a global level. Although Raëlism has gained popularity among some individuals, it has also been the subject of substantial criticism and controversy, particularly because of its unconventional views on sexuality and its alleged support for human cloning and genetic engineering. Nonetheless, the movement continues to be a subject of interest and scrutiny for scholars, journalists, and the curious. This article provides an overview of the history, ideology, and practices of the Raëlian Movement and its relationship with transhumanism.

Experience and Impact of Digital Transformation in the Administration of Justice in Uganda: A Critical Analysis

Experience and Impact of Digital Transformation in the Administration of Justice in Uganda: A Critical Analysis

Transformative learning experiences: An empirical analysis of hybrid learning effectiveness in management education in Sri Lanka

Hybrid learning (HL) has become a significant part of the learning style for the higher education sector in the Sri Lankan context amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. This research study aims to discover the effectiveness of hybrid learning (EHL) practices in enhancing undergraduates’ outcomes in Sri Lankan Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) management faculties. The data for the study were gathered through an online questionnaire survey, which received 379 responses. The questionnaire contained 38 questions under four sections covering independent variables, excluding demographic questions. The results indicate that hybrid learner attitude, interaction, and benefits of hybrid learning positively impact the effectiveness of hybrid learning. The results remain consistent even after controlling for socio-demographic factors and focusing only on students employed during their higher education. The study concluded that employed students have a higher preference for the effectiveness of hybrid learning concepts, and the benefits of hybrid learning play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness among undergraduates. The study analyzes COVID-19’s impact on higher education, proposing hybrid learning and regulatory frameworks based on pandemic experiences while stressing the benefits of remote teaching and research.

Mystics as a new trend in the Belarusian tourism industry: Tourists’ motivation and experience

Mystical tourism has gained prominence in the Belarusian tourism industry, attracting a growing number of tourists seeking unique and transformative experiences. This research article explores the emergence of mystics as a new trend in Belarusian tourism and investigates the motivations and experiences of tourists engaging with mystical activities and destinations. Using a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, data was collected from a diverse sample of tourists visiting mystical sites in Belarus. The study reveals that tourists are driven by various motivations, such as spiritual curiosity, personal growth, cultural exploration, and the quest for authentic experiences. Furthermore, the research uncovers the transformative nature of engaging with mystics, as tourists reported heightened spiritual well-being, increased self-awareness, and a deeper connection to the local culture and history. These findings emphasize the need for the development mystical tourism offerings.

From terror to pride: Supporting faculty through a blended learning community of transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote, blended, and online teaching and learning presented universities around the world with myriad challenges. This rapid shift into uncharted territory, however, also created an opportunity for faculty developers to lead exploration of new pedagogies, challenging teaching assumptions. In this article, we share the story of how a center for teaching and learning led the shift to remote and blended learning through a community of transformation (Kezar et al., 2018). We share results from a survey of faculty following multiple professional development opportunities and explore themes that emerged from interviews with six instructors representing a range of disciplines and experience in remote and blended teaching. We conclude by offering our design elements to consider when pursuing faculty development as a potentially transformative learning experience (Mezirow, 1991).

Navigating complexity: a multifaceted approach to teaching climate change in middle school

Global climate change is one of the most significant challenges of the twenty first century, requiring its integration into K-12 science education curricula to foster informed and climate-literate citizens. However, challenges remain in effectively teaching climate change, including a lack of instructional materials and a reliance on traditional teaching methods that limit student engagement and understanding. To address these challenges, this study developed a unit that combines socioscientific issue-based instruction, scientific modeling, and systems thinking to improve climate education. The unit was implemented by a teacher trained in the Socioscientific Issues and Model-based Learning (SIMBL) framework and showed promising results. Students demonstrated an improved understanding of climate complexity, as evidenced by the inclusion of multiple factors in their system maps and the justification of policy decisions based on their knowledge. In addition, the integration of media literacy tools improved students’ critical engagement with online content. Overall, the SIMBL unit facilitated transformative learning experiences that empowered students to understand and address the multifaceted challenges of climate change. The study suggests implications for teachers and advocates for adapting the sequence to various standards and socioscientific topics beyond climate change.

Dreamscapes of Belonging : Draft, based on the presentation at the IAJS Conference 2023, work in progress

Jungian Art-Based Research (JABR) is a distinctive methodological framework that explores the intersection of analytical psychology and the arts. It primarily utilizes Jung's theories of the psyche, integrating these with artistic processes to investigate and express unconscious dynamics. Susan Rowland, a pivotal figure in this field, has significantly advanced the understanding of how Jungian theories can be applied within art-based research (Rowland, 2023). Her contributions elucidate how artistic expressions act as mediums through which the unconscious can be explored and articulated, thereby offering profound insights into both individual and collective unconscious processes. The objectives of Jungian Art-Based Research are manifold. Firstly, JABR aims to provide a methodological approach that allows researchers and practitioners to delve deeper into the symbolic and transformative potential of art. This is achieved through the engagement of the unconscious in the creation and interpretation of art, thereby fostering a holistic understanding of the psyche. Secondly, JABR seeks to expand the scope of psychological inquiry by incorporating artistic expressions as legitimate sources of psychological data. Lastly, it aspires to foster a dialogue between psychology and art, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration that can enrich both fields. By integrating analytical psychology with artistic creativity, JABR contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the human experience, offering valuable perspectives that challenge conventional research paradigms. This paper presents a personal journey through the application of Jungian Art-Based Research (JABR), initiated by attending a course by Susan Rowlands. It delves into the transformative experience of exploring the multiverse of dreams and their impact on the author's professional and personal development. The exploration began with the author’s repetitive dreams, characterized by detailed urban landscapes, serving as the primary material for research. By physically mapping these dreamscapes and integrating various symbolic materials, the author engaged in a deep, introspective process, highlighting the non-linear and spiraling nature of JABR. This journey further intertwined with reflections on identity, homelessness, and the longing for a sense of belonging, amplified by historical and cultural dislocations. Through spontaneous dance and subsequent reflections, the author confronts the disillusionment with idealized spaces and faces the reality of changing perspectives and attachments. The paper concludes by pondering the broader implications of our attachment to the Earth, suggesting that our efforts to save it might be hindered by our need to name and possess, rather than embrace its intrinsic, unnamed existence. Through a Jungian lens, the author proposes a reevaluation of our relationship with the planet, advocating for a detachment from specific names to foster a more universal and sustainable connection.

Academic performance indicators for the hackathon learning approach – The case of the blockchain hackathon

The subject of this article is an analysis of the hackathon concept as an educational approach and its role in the development of students' knowledge and skills. The goal is to conduct an in-depth examination of the effectiveness and achievements of the hackathon, with special reference to the attitudes of students and teachers involved in this educational methodology. The key emphasis is placed on participants' perception of the possibilities of hackathons providing long-term results and hackathons' impact as an educational format. Through a specific blockchain hackathon jointly organized by the University of Belgrade, Serbia, and the University of Florida, USA, the research examines participants' perspectives and their expectations, experiences, and overall impressions. The research focuses on the readiness of hackathon participants to incorporate new technical skills through this form of learning, knowledge acquisition, attitudes, and motivational drivers. Furthermore, the research examines how participants' views change before and after the event. The paper contains the insights of educators who, relying on their experiences at the hackathon, emphasize the importance of measuring and monitoring the outcome of the hackathon. Their perspectives highlight the motivation for promoting experimental learning methods in academic settings. This comprehensive research sheds light on multiple impacts of hackathon participation, which extend beyond knowledge acquisition to include changes in technological interests, success in specific domains, and the broader implications of hackathons as a transformative learning experience. The research contributes to the ongoing discussion about innovative approaches to learning. It provides a foundation for a better understanding of how hackathons shape attitudes and contribute to long-term outcomes for both students and teachers, establishing a conceptual framework for hackathon-based learning approaches and opportunities to monitor the effects of hackathons.