Module 2
Theoretical Framework
Chapter 1 Conceptual Framework
1.1 Transformative Learning Paths
The importance of changing and implementing educational approaches to develop key competencies is widely recognized as an essential asset of the teaching-learning process.
In the KeyCode project the focus on emotional intelligence and European common values has been joint with the methodologies proposed through Transformative learning theories as well as key competences learning theories as instrumental to nurturing several abilities and soft skills.
Transformative learning is a theory of learning which focuses on young people learning. It is sometimes also referred to as transformation learning and focuses on the idea that learners can adjust their thinking based on new information. The idea is that our world view changes while we learn, and that helps us grasp new concepts and ideas. Mezirow's transformative learning is defined as “an orientation which holds that the way learners interpret and reinterpret their sense experience is central to making meaning and hence learning.” Put in simple terms, transformative learning is the idea that learners who are getting new information are also evaluating their past ideas and understanding. They are shifting their very worldview as they obtain new information and through critical reflection. Many learners and experts agree that this kind of learning leads to true freedom of thought and understanding. This is why transformative learning is particularly relevant when it comes to the understanding and awareness on European values and democratic citizenship.
Mezirow says that transformative learning has two basic focuses—instrumental learning and communicative learning. Instrumental learning focuses on task-oriented problem solving, and evaluation of cause and effect relationships. Communicative learning focuses on how people communicate their feelings, needs, and desires. Both elements are important in transformative learning—students need to be able to focus on different types of their understanding and view new perspectives that are both logical and emotional in order to challenge their previous understanding.
The understanding of our past perspective and the ability to look at new structures and perspectives are key to the transformative learning theory.
As an educator it’s important to help students learn using different kinds of learning strategies. Teachers can provide an action even or disorienting dilemma inside their classroom. A picture, story, demonstration or a guest. It's important for students to critically analyze their assumptions. In a classroom that is focused on transformative learning, there must be opportunity for critical discussions. Teachers can help students have these critical discussions by providing space for conversation, helping students create pro and con lists of literature or articles, giving students opportunity for debate, or requiring students to prepare both sides of a debate to understand how there are multiple perspectives always at play.
This approach is also connected with cooperative group learning that provides the environment and interactions necessary to learn soft skills (Lejk & Wyvill, 2001). Learning with a group rather than from an instructor requires trust, sharing, and conflict resolution. To act as a team, group members had to learn how to respect and listen to others. Through the process, they built bonds and made friends. Group communication and interaction took place at two levels: member-to-member and members to class. Students learn to communicate on a larger scale when they make presentations and tutored the class. The success of a group project largely depends on organization, cooperation, and communication skills.
Takin into account this competence based learning approach and transformative and cooperative learning theories KeyCode project starts for the assumption that of emotional intelligence and empathy are among the most needed competences in order to develop a proper understanding and awareness rising on European common values.
In the KeyCode project the focus on emotional intelligence and European common values has been joint with the methodologies proposed through Transformative learning theories as well as key competences learning theories as instrumental to nurturing several abilities and soft skills.
Transformative learning is a theory of learning which focuses on young people learning. It is sometimes also referred to as transformation learning and focuses on the idea that learners can adjust their thinking based on new information. The idea is that our world view changes while we learn, and that helps us grasp new concepts and ideas. Mezirow's transformative learning is defined as “an orientation which holds that the way learners interpret and reinterpret their sense experience is central to making meaning and hence learning.” Put in simple terms, transformative learning is the idea that learners who are getting new information are also evaluating their past ideas and understanding. They are shifting their very worldview as they obtain new information and through critical reflection. Many learners and experts agree that this kind of learning leads to true freedom of thought and understanding. This is why transformative learning is particularly relevant when it comes to the understanding and awareness on European values and democratic citizenship.
Mezirow says that transformative learning has two basic focuses—instrumental learning and communicative learning. Instrumental learning focuses on task-oriented problem solving, and evaluation of cause and effect relationships. Communicative learning focuses on how people communicate their feelings, needs, and desires. Both elements are important in transformative learning—students need to be able to focus on different types of their understanding and view new perspectives that are both logical and emotional in order to challenge their previous understanding.
The understanding of our past perspective and the ability to look at new structures and perspectives are key to the transformative learning theory.
As an educator it’s important to help students learn using different kinds of learning strategies. Teachers can provide an action even or disorienting dilemma inside their classroom. A picture, story, demonstration or a guest. It's important for students to critically analyze their assumptions. In a classroom that is focused on transformative learning, there must be opportunity for critical discussions. Teachers can help students have these critical discussions by providing space for conversation, helping students create pro and con lists of literature or articles, giving students opportunity for debate, or requiring students to prepare both sides of a debate to understand how there are multiple perspectives always at play.
This approach is also connected with cooperative group learning that provides the environment and interactions necessary to learn soft skills (Lejk & Wyvill, 2001). Learning with a group rather than from an instructor requires trust, sharing, and conflict resolution. To act as a team, group members had to learn how to respect and listen to others. Through the process, they built bonds and made friends. Group communication and interaction took place at two levels: member-to-member and members to class. Students learn to communicate on a larger scale when they make presentations and tutored the class. The success of a group project largely depends on organization, cooperation, and communication skills.
Takin into account this competence based learning approach and transformative and cooperative learning theories KeyCode project starts for the assumption that of emotional intelligence and empathy are among the most needed competences in order to develop a proper understanding and awareness rising on European common values.
Back to the Guidelines section