Understanding and Application of Transformative Learning for Adult Education in the Church
0
조회
0
다운로드
0
인용
0
참고문헌
키워드
초록
This article explores transformative learning theory as a framework for adult education in the church concerned with fostering critical thinking and action. The pressing issue for the church’s adult education today is not that there are not enough Christians but rather that they are not growing to maturity. Thus, there are much demands that adult education in the church should create more dynamic teaching and learning environment where people transform their Christian faith into new meaning, guiding their action and shaping their personhood. Transformative learning is continually being investigated within the field of adult education as a powerful approach for understanding how adults learn. Initially developed by Jack Mezirow in secular educational contexts, this perspective has been critiqued and appropriated by many including Christian educators as a helpful way to understand and foster adult learning. The application of transformative learning theory in the church can help adults learners in the formation of Christian identity, critical theological education, and community of dialogue. Christian identity is fundamental to the health of the Christian and the church. It “informs us of who we are and what roles we are supposed to play in relationship with self, others,nature, and God.” Adults must have theological education that can form, inform, and transform their practices of faith to equip them as agents of transformation in the world. Transformative learning environment could provide the community of dialogue for adult learners to experience family ties and assistance in developing one another, generating non-threatening environment where people build trust in each other and help each other deal with their own problem. This study deals with three sections that are attributed to transformative learning and adult education in the church. The first section begins with an overview of transformative learning theory. The second section concerns the relationship between transformative learning and adult learning. The final section proposes some applications of transformative learning in the church context as an attempt that helps adult learners grow toward whole persons in Christ.
Abstract
This article explores transformative learning theory as a framework for adult education in the church concerned with fostering critical thinking and action. The pressing issue for the church’s adult education today is not that there are not enough Christians but rather that they are not growing to maturity. Thus, there are much demands that adult education in the church should create more dynamic teaching and learning environment where people transform their Christian faith into new meaning, guiding their action and shaping their personhood. Transformative learning is continually being investigated within the field of adult education as a powerful approach for understanding how adults learn. Initially developed by Jack Mezirow in secular educational contexts, this perspective has been critiqued and appropriated by many including Christian educators as a helpful way to understand and foster adult learning. The application of transformative learning theory in the church can help adults learners in the formation of Christian identity, critical theological education, and community of dialogue. Christian identity is fundamental to the health of the Christian and the church. It “informs us of who we are and what roles we are supposed to play in relationship with self, others,nature, and God.” Adults must have theological education that can form, inform, and transform their practices of faith to equip them as agents of transformation in the world. Transformative learning environment could provide the community of dialogue for adult learners to experience family ties and assistance in developing one another, generating non-threatening environment where people build trust in each other and help each other deal with their own problem. This study deals with three sections that are attributed to transformative learning and adult education in the church. The first section begins with an overview of transformative learning theory. The second section concerns the relationship between transformative learning and adult learning. The final section proposes some applications of transformative learning in the church context as an attempt that helps adult learners grow toward whole persons in Christ.
참고문헌 (30)
- Boyd, R. D., "Transformative education", International Journal of Lifelong Education, 7(4), pp.261~284 (1988)
- Cranton,P, "Understanding and promoting transformative learning: A guide for educators of adults" (1994), Jossey-Bass
- Dewane,C.M, "Self-help groups and adult learning" (1993), Pennsylvania State University
- Dirkx,J.M, "Transformative learning theory in the practice of adult education: An overview", PAACE Journal of Lifelong Learning, 17, pp.1~14 (1998)
- Elkind,D, "The hurried child" (1988), Addison Wesley
- Freire,P, "Pedagogy of the oppressed. revised edition, trans by Myra Bergman Ramos" (1993), The Continuum Publishing Company
- Grabov,V, "The many facets of transformative learning theory and practice. In Transformative learning in action: Insights from practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 74", pp.89~96 (1997), Jossey-Bass
- Hawkins,T.R, "The learning congregation: A new vision of leadership" (1997), Westminster John Knox Press
- Houle,C.O, "The design of education" (1996), Jossy-Bass
- Howe,R, "The miracle of dialogue" (1963), Seabury
- Transformative learning in adulthood, "Imel,Susan", Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, ~, pp.ERIC document reproduction service No. ED423426 (1998)
- Knowles,M.S, "Self-directed learning" (1975), Follet
- Knowles,M.S, "The modern practice of adult education" (1980), Association Press, Follett Publishing
- Knowles,M.S, "The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development" (2005), Elsevier
- 이은성, "Paulo Freire and Jack Mezirow's Educational Theories and Integration into Christian Adult Education", 기독교교육 논총, 19(19), pp.81~94 (2008), 한국기독교교육학회
- 이미경, "A Mission of the Christian Education: Removal of the Monologic Golden Crown", 기독교교육 논총, 16(16), pp.143~159 (2007), 한국기독교교육학회
- Merriam, S. B, "Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. 3rd edition" (2007), Jossey-Bass, Inc
- Mezirow,Jack, "Transformative dimension of adult learning" (1991), Jossey-Bass
- Mezirow,Jack, "Understanding Transformation Theory", Adult Education Journal Quarterly, 44(4), pp.222~232 (1994)
- Mezirow,Jack, "Transformation theory of adult learning. In In defense of the lifeworld", pp.39~70 (1995), SUNY Press
- Mezirow,Jack, "Transformative learning: theory to practice", New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 74, pp.5~ (1997)
- Nesbit, T., "Teaching adults. In G. Foley, (Ed.), Dimensions of adult learning: Adult education and training in a global era", pp.74~95 (2004), Allen and Unwinm
- Newman,T.P, "Critically Reflective Learning in a Leadership Development Context", 박사, pp.1996
- 박정식, "Identity and Ethnicity: Issues Facing Second-Generation Korean American Adolescents and Implications for Ministry", 기독교교육 논총, 25(25), pp.119~145 (2010), 한국기독교교육학회
- Reischmann,J, "Andragogy. In International encyclopedia of adult education", pp.58~63 (2005), Palgrave Macmillan
- Saavedra,E, "Teachers study groups: Contexts for transformative learning and action", Theory into Practice, 35, pp.271~277 (1996)
- Taylor,Edward W, "Intercultural competency: A transformative learning process", Adult Education Quarterly, 44(3), pp.170~ (1994)
- Taylor,Edward W, "The theory and practice of transformative learning: A critical review. Information Series No. 374" (1998), ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Center on Education and Training for Employment, College of Education, the Ohio State University
- Wenger,E, "Communities of practice: Learning, meaning and identity" (1999), Cambridge University Press
- Wlodkowski,R.J, "Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A comprehensive guide for teaching all adults" (1999), Jossey-Bass Publishers