What is Transformational Learning?
Transformational learning is a process that changes who we are along with what we know and do. It is an ongoing journey of discovery and self-discovery. When participants fully engage in this journey, they are more likely to retain what they learn and apply it in their daily lives and work. When people engage in transformational learning, they expand their consciousness and grow as human beings. They discover their own potential, feel more secure in their abilities, increase their self-confidence, and become inspired to serve the greater good. They also develop a new sense of connection with others and nature, along with new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that allow them to handle challenges in ways they may not have previously imagined.
Why is Transformational Learning Important?
Transformational learning is important because it produces lasting changes in the way people think, feel, and act. It gives them the skills and confidence they need to solve problems and stretch their abilities in new ways. It also cultivates collaboration, empathy, and compassion in ways that help participants develop stronger relationships with colleagues and clients. When we learn in ways that go beyond information or skill acquisition, we experience what transformational learning calls a “Concrete Experience.” Concrete Experience is the kind of learning that sticks with us over the long term because it stimulates our emotions and imagination. It involves a feeling of discovery, a sense of excitement and wonder, and a desire to explore and go beyond what we already know.
How Does Transformational Learning Work?
Transformational learning is a process of growth that involves three stages:
Disorientation - When people experience a Concrete Experience, their old ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving are temporarily disrupted. They feel an initial sense of confusion and frustration as they attempt to fit new information into their existing worldview.
Reflexive Orientation - Eventually, people reorganize their ideas and emotions. They integrate what they’ve learned into their sense of self. They discover new meaning in their lives and discover how they want to live their lives differently as a result.
Re-orientation - Once they’ve had some time to reflect, participants bring their new insights back into their day-to-day lives. They put their new knowledge and skills into practice. They seek out opportunities to apply these insights in their work and personal lives.
Examples of Transformative Learning Practices
A simple act of sitting quietly, clearing your mind, and focusing on your breath can have a transformative effect on your wellbeing.
Reflective exercises - These help participants explore their feelings, beliefs, and experiences in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. They can write about a significant event in their lives, for example, or respond to a series of questions that prompt them to explore their feelings about a particular issue.
Creative arts - Writing, painting, drawing, and other creative activities can help participants explore their feelings, ideas, and experiences in new ways. They can help participants discover new meanings and connections in their lives and assess how they want to respond to the challenges they face.
Transformationaearnl learning is a process that changes who lwe are along with what we know and do. It is an ongoing journey of discovery and self-discovery. When participants fully engage in this journey, they are more likely to retain what they learn and apply it in their daily lives and work. When people engage in transformational learning, they expand their consciousness and grow as human beings. They discover their own potential, feel more secure in their abilities, increase their self-confidence, and become inspired to serve the greater good. They also develop a new sense of connection with others and nature, along with new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that allow them to handle challenges in ways they may not have previously imagined.
Transformational learning is a transformative process, not just another training module. It takes people on a journey of discovery and self-discovery that produces lasting change in their beliefs, values, and behaviors. Training programs are effective for transferring information and giving employees the skills, they need to do their jobs. However, training alone does not produce the kind of behavioral changes that lead to long-term retention of knowledge and measurable business results. Transformational learning is an emerging field of study focused on what happens when people learn in ways that go beyond information or skill acquisition—when they engage in experiences that have a positive impact on their personal growth and potential as human beings. When people engage in transformational learning, they expand their consciousness and grow as human beings. They discover their own potential, feel more secure in their abilities, increase their self-confidence, and become inspired to serve the greater good. They also develop a new sense of connection with others and nature, along with new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that allow them to handle challenges in ways they may not have previously imagined.
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