By Chengalroyen N.
MSc, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Summary/Abstract
Those who are interested in educational pedagogy are most likely familiar with the term “Transformative learning”, it is a widely accepted approach to adult education. But what does it really mean? And how do we get past the jargon and theory to put into practice? Let’s explore it a bit more and consider practical applications for individuals, institutions and learning environments. The speaker will outline how transformative learning pairs with an educational theory (how does teaching fit into a student’s world view) and will explore concrete ways to address transformative learning strategies: 1) problem-solving; 2) training and education;
- Institutional culture; 4) personal development; and 5) leadership) directly correlated to student performance in line with organizational goals.
Lets firstly understand the term Institutional Effectiveness ?
Acc to The Society for College and University Planning(SCUP):
Is a Higher Education Institutions effort to organize assessment, evaluation and improvement initiatives so that the institution can determine how well it is fulfilling its mission and achieving its goals.
Vision Mission Objectives Goals
What are Meaning Perspectives: How is this aligned with an Educational Theory
Is an overarching term that describes a collection of theories that explain the application, interpretation and purpose of learning(Acc to Mezirow: 2023).It pairs a Constructivist learning perspective- the idea that meaning is constructed from experience and internal understanding- with the importance of communication and reflection.
So….
As educators, How do we put this in practice?
We develop a “TEACHING PHILOSOPHY”(TP)-which is a “Believe Statement” in which we use theoretical concepts that help to explain the learning processes we wish to utilise and this will have the potential to inform educational approaches, curricula and assessments.
What must the TP should state….?
Must motivate the teacher to learn about the subject matter?
What are the expected outcomes of your teaching?
Teacher – student relationship you hope to achieve?
How do you measure if your lessons are successful?
What values do you impart on your students?
What code of ethics guides you?
What themes pervades your teaching?
What are the 3 types of TP that Educators can utilize to increase Institutional effectiveness?
Acc to the teaching Academy..
- Perennialism
Values knowledge that transcends time.This is a subject -centered philosophy.The goal of a perennialis educator is to teach students to think rationlly and develop minds that can think critically.
- Progressivism
Progressivists believe that individuality,progress and change are fundamental to one education.They believe that students learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives, centre their curricula on the needs,experiences, interests and abilities of students
- Essentialism
Is also subject-centered aimed at teaching basic skills.This philosophy advocates training the mind focussing on transmiitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promotion of students to the next level.
So….
How does this then add value to “Transformational Learning”?
The Educator must then align his/her Teaching Philosophy to that of transfomational teaching and learning approaches expained bt the following Model Strategies.
A Transformative Model of Strategies?: Approach to teaching and learning that can increase Institutional Effectiveness
- Problem Solving:
Do an initial brainstorm.
Be open to making mistakes.
Challenge personal assumptions about the “right way” of doing things.
Look for novel solutions from other sources, especially those outside of the field/culture.
Reflect on what worked , what didn’t and why?
Know sooner, Act faster approach.
Address administrative challenges promptly(trigger events).
Provide tools/opportunities for discussion and debate.
- Institutional Culture
Create mentoring and job shadowing programs.
Enhance commitment for the development of synergetic actions.
Encourage collaboration across teams to broaden perspectives.
Encourage individuals and teams to take risks: treat failure as progress and growth.
Engage employees in activities that challenge the status quo such as thought provoking documentaries, annual field trips and experiential learning games.
Provide safe spaces for employees to voice their say but must be done democratically.
Transformative re-design of educational curriculums into community engagement.
Integrating student development into academic activities.
Interconnected technology systems.
- Personal development
Be open to changing your personal perspectives.
Push your personal boundaries through travel, trying new activities, meeting new people.
Keep up to date with new evidence-based practices
Keep a journal for ideas and reflection.
Growth of leadership skills.
Strengthening emotional intelligence.
- Leadership and Governance
Strengthen gaps in policies.
Advance best practices.
Promote transdisciplinary approaches .
Embrace team efforts.
Collaborate with different groups with a diverse set of peers to share and brainstorm ideas.
Advocate professional development opportunities.
Attend skills development opportunities.
Adopt practices that force you to rethink your methods and beliefs on a regular basis.
- Training and Education
Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the subject(pre knowledge).
Use engaging activities and /or rich media to further connect with students.
Ask students to reflect on the activities and discussion and how those may have impacted their thoughts on the topic.
Conclusion
This pendulum represents a balance, and to have harmony, one side must not out way the other.Therefore, to maintain constant Institutional Effectiveness in Higher Education there must be a balance by what the educator believe statement meets effective teaching and learning approaches.
References
- Mezirow, J. 2023: Transformative learning: Theory to Practice; New directions for adult and Continuing Education; No 74(11): 5-6.
Track2Training 
Thank you Dr Shankar
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Very informative article with good reference.
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