Professional Development as Transformative Learning

PATRICIA CRANTON is professor of education and director of instructional development at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. She has received awards, including selection as a Distinguished Scholar at Brock University in 1991 and, in 1993, both the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association's Teaching Award and the Lieutenant Governor's Laurel Award for teaching excellence. Her previous books include Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning (Jossey-Bass, 1994).

"Although adult educators focus a great deal of attention on adult learners, these same educators pay little attention to their own learning. If educators ignore their personal experiences as learners, they miss a valuable opportunity to develop an empathetic appreciation of what their students are experiencing. Patricia Cranton shows us how teachers and facilitators can and must be understood as adults engaged in transformative learning. By highlighting case studies of how individual educators learn about their practice she helps us rethink the way professional development is conceived and conducted." (Stephen Brookfield, distinguished professor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota)

• 1. Preparation and Development of Adult Educators. 2. Traditional Developmental Strategies. 3. Strategies for Self-Directed Development. 4. Critical Reflection. 5. Becoming a Transformative Learner. 6. Individual Differences in Educator Development. 7. Transformative Development in Work and Social Contexts. 8. Creating a New Vision for Professional Growth. 9. Strategies for the Developer.