The Future of Education

Transformational Learning is defined as learning that includes more far-reaching change in the learner than other kinds of learning, especially learning experiences which shape the learner and produce a significant impact, or paradigm shift, which has an impact on the learners future experiences (Clark, 1993).  This type of learning approach as Mezirow (1981, 1994, & 1997) developed and discussed creates a teaching/learning environment that allows the “adult learner” to use their past experiences and reflections on making connections to/with their present learning experience.
This paper will discuss and address how Transformational Learning best benefits students/Adult Learners within graduate school environments.  The author will also discuss how to best create teaching/learning environments to use Transformational Learning based upon his twenty plus years experience in doing so.  The basis of this approach is to create a safe and open learning environment where individuals involved are part of a cohesive learning community.  As students reflect on past and current experiences they use those experiences to make connections to their present learning. Given that a learning community is created, students also learn from each other.

Keywords: Learning, Adult Learner, Transformational Learning, Teaching;