Learning to ‘sit in the fire’: staying with the discomfort of transformative learning

Cave, Dorian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5620-7535 (2024) Learning to ‘sit in the fire’: staying with the discomfort of transformative learning. Studies in the Education of Adults . Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

In view of the deep social and ecological crises of our time, many scholars are calling for forms of learning and change that are predicated on establishing qualitatively different relationships between human beings, and between humans and the rest of the living world, as well as on a deeper awareness of systemic social justice issues. This is notably advocated within the field of Transformative Learning. This article investigates how such forms of transformation may happen, and what factors may enable them, in the under-researched context of small and self-directed adult inquiry groups. Through the case study of a social learning evaluation conducted within one such group, enabling factors for transformative learning and the fostering of critical social consciousness are examined. The role of particular individuals within the group – ‘key enablers’ of transformative learning – is highlighted as an important social learning element in this regard, which may be particularly helpful in situations of discomfort within self-directed groups.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Studies in the Education of Adults
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis Group
ISSN:	1478-9833
Departments:	Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership > Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS)
Additional Information:	Dorian Cavé, Doctoral Student (IFLAS), University of Cumbria, UK.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	19 Nov 2024 11:04
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2024 16:00
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/8507