ERIC Number: EJ1127651
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2159-0281
EISSN: N/A
Transformative Learning Theory and Spirituality: A Whole-Person Approach
Piercy, Gary
Journal of Instructional Research, v2 p30-42 2013
Spirituality is gaining popularity within academics as discussions regarding the importance of spirituality within leadership and education increases. A biblical anthropology embraces human nature as physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual with recognition that adults are capable of learning within each of those realms. Embracing humans are spiritual beings necessitates the inclusion of spirituality in discussions related to how humans come to know. Mezirow's transformative learning theory provides an understanding the nature of adult learning and serves as the foundation upon which to build a whole-person approach to adult learning that includes spirituality. Defining spirituality as the quest for life-meaning and self-awareness for a higher purpose demonstrated through efforts to achieve the common good for all, offers a working definition by which to establish learning goals. Creating learning strategies that touch the human spirit allows educators greater opportunities for transformative learning to occur.
Descriptors: Transformative Learning, Learning Theories, Religious Factors, Learning Strategies, Spiritual Development, Adult Students, Emotional Development, Adult Learning, Educational Strategies, Change Strategies
Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching at Grand Canyon University. 3300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. Tel: 602-639-6729; e-mail: cirt@gcu.edu; Web site: http://www.instructionalresearch.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A