Edward W. Taylor & Patricia Cranton 
The Handbook of Transformative Learning 
Theory, Research, and Practice

The Handbook of Transformative Learning

The leading resource for the field, this handbook provides a comprehensive and critical review of more than three decades of theory development, research, and practice in transformative learning. The starting place for understanding and fostering transformative learning, as well as diving deeper, the volume distinguishes transformative learning from other forms of learning, explores future perspectives, and is designed for scholars, students, and practitioners.

PRAISE FOR THE HANDBOOK OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING

‘This book will be of inestimable value to students and scholars of learning irrespective of whether or not their emphasis is on transformative learning. It should find its way to the reference bookshelves of every academic library focusing on education, teaching, learning, or the care professions.’

–PETER JARVIS, professor of continuing education, University of Surrey

‘Can there be a coherent theory of transformative learning? Perhaps. This handbook goes a long way to answering this question by offering a kaleidoscope of perspectives, including non-Western, that consider the meaning and practice of transformative learning.’

–SHAUNA BUTTERWICK, associate professor, University of British Columbia

‘This handbook will be valuable and accessible to both scholars and practitioners who are new to the study of adult education and transformative learning and to more seasoned scholars who seek a sophisticated analysis of the state of transformative learning thirty years after Mezirow first shared his version of a then-fledgling theory of adult learning.’

–JOVITA ROSS-GORDON, professor and program coordinator, MA in Adult Education, Texas State University

Table of Content

About the Editors

About the Contributors

Part 1 Setting the Context

1 Transformative Learning Theory: Seeking a More Unified Theory (Patricia Cranton and Edward W. Taylor)

2 Themes and Variations of Transformational Learning: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Forms That Transform (Elizabeth J. Tisdell)

3 A Critical Review of Research on Transformative Learning Theory, 2006-2010 (Edward W. Taylor and Melissa J. Snyder)

4 Studying Transformative Learning: What Methodology? (Sharan B. Merriam and Seon Joo Kim)

5 Learning to Think Like an Adult: Core Concepts of Transformation Theory (Jack Mezirow)

Part 2 Exploring the Theory of Transformative Learning: Diverse Perspectives

6 Mezirow’s Theory of Transformative Learning from 1975 to Present (Lisa M. Baumgartner)

7 Nurturing Soul Work: A Jungian Approach to Transformative Learning (John M. Dirkx)

8 Critical Theory and Transformative Learning (Stephen D. Brookfield)

9 Transformative Learning: A Developmental Perspective (Kathleen Taylor and Dean Elias)

10 Deep Transformation: Forging a Planetary Worldview (Edmund O’Sullivan)

11 Transformative Learning and the Challenges of Complexity (Michel Alhadeff-Jones)

12 Transforming Transformative Learning Through Sustainability and New Science (Elizabeth A. Lange)

13 An Existential Approach to Transformative Learning (Peter Willis)

Part 3 Transformative Learning: Culture, Positionality, and International Perspectives

14 Cultural-Spiritual Perspective of Transformative Learning (Nadira K. Charaniya)

15 Women and Transformative Learning (Leona M. English and Catherine J. Irving)

16 Positionality and Transformative Learning: A Tale of Inclusion and Exclusion (Juanita Johnson-Bailey)

17 Transformative Learning Theory: A Perspective from Africa (Peggy Gabo Ntseane)

18 Transformative Learning in Europe: An Overview of the Theoretical Perspectives (Alexis Kokkos)

19 International and Community-Based Transformative Learning (Olutoyin Mejiuni)

Part 4 Transformative Learning: Central Concepts and Settings

20 Critical Reflection and Transformative Learning (Carolin Kreber)

21 The Role of Experience in Transformative Learning (Dorothy Mac Keracher)

22 Group Work and Dialogue: Spaces and Processes for Transformative Learning in Relationships (Steve Schapiro, Ilene Wasserman, and Placida Gallegos)

23 Transformative Learning in the Workplace: Leading Learning for Self and Organizational Change (Karen E. Watkins, Victoria J. Marsick, and Pierre G. Faller)

24 Fostering Transformative Learning in Higher Education Settings (Carol E. Kasworm and Tuere A. Bowles)

25 Fostering transformative Learning Online (Regina O. Smith)

Part 5 Fostering Transformative Learning: Practices and Ethics

26 Transformation as Embodied Narrative (M. Carolyn Clark)

27 Learner-Centered Teaching and Transformative Learning (Maryellen Weimer)

28 Storytelling and Transformative Learning (Jo A. Tyler and Ann Swartz)

29 Transformative Learning Through Artistic Expression: Getting Out of Our Heads (Randee Lipson Lawrence)

30 Fiction and Film and Transformative Learning (Christine Jarvis)

31 Learning to Be What We Know: The Pivotal Role of Presentational Knowing in Transformative Learning (Elizabeth Kasl and Lyle Yorks)

32 Evaluating Transformative Learning (Patricia Cranton and Chad Hoggan)

33 Educator as Change Agent: Ethics of Transformative Learning (Dorothy Ettling)

Part 6 Reflecting on the Future of Transformative Learning

34 Reflecting Back and Looking Forward (Edward W. Taylor and Patricia Cranton)

Index

About the author

EDWARD W. TAYLOR is a professor of adult education at Penn State University at Harrisburg. He is the coeditor, with Jack Mezirow, of Transformative Learning in Practice.

PATRICIA CRANTON is a retired professor of adult education, most recently from Penn State University at Harrisburg. Her recent books include Planning Instruction for Adult Learners and Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning.