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ERIC Number: ED559748
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 308
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3033-1944-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Encounters with Wisdom: A Case Study of Community Worker Reflection Circles in San Antonio, TX
Arispe, Don D.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, California Institute of Integral Studies
This case study focuses upon the transformational experiences of 28 social service and pastoral workers engaged in a Reflection Circle Process (RCP) in San Antonio, TX. The RCP involves the writing of a holistic journal entry, known as a process note, coupled with an in-depth exploration of the note with the help of a group of trusted peers, known as a reflection circle. Twelve circle members were interviewed, and 17 participated in focus groups in a manner that insured a representative sample of all reflection circle members in this locale. All data collected was rigorously analyzed using a basic qualitative approach. This inquiry uses a transdisciplinary approach, which situates case study data within the seminal sources that have formed the RCP. These sources are Bernard Lonergan's transcendental method, a variety of theological reflection models from the field of practical theology, as well as core principles of Adult Education and its subfield, Transformative Learning. In addition, data is also viewed through the lenses transpersonal research, social service burnout, and strands of chaos and quantum theories. Versions of the RCP are used in formal ministerial and social work educational programs; however, rigorous documentation of its use with a wide variety of social service and pastoral workers is unique and will facilitate expanding this work to related communities of practice. This case study documents how the RCP not only prevents burnout, but also facilitates the ongoing holistic development of all involved. These results should be valuable to fields of community leadership development, community organizing, civic engagement, social service education, parent empowerment, service learning, community health, pastoral formation, and various dialogically based education processes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A