Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning

Patricia Cranton was affiliated with the University of New Brunswick in Canada and Teachers College, Columbia University in the United States. She held positions at McGill University, Brock University, University of New Brunswick, St. Francis Xavier University, and Penn State University. Patricia taught courses in transformative learning for 20 years, and wrote/edited several books, including The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research and Practice (co-edited with Ed Taylor, 2012). In 2014, she was inducted into the International Hall of Fame for Adult and Continuing Education. In 2016, Patricia Cranton was a recipient of the Order of Canada. We deeply mourn the loss of author, teacher, and friend Patricia Cranton. An outstanding contributor to the fields of Adult and Higher Education, and to Transformative Learning in particular, she will live on through her work and in our memories.

"Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning is particularly valuable for helping educators see their role in the learning process. The methodology described throughout the book leads to self-reflection, critical reflection, and thinking about how one’s teaching may fit into contemporary contexts. Furthermore, it converts the process of reflection into active participation in society. Additionally, the book discusses empowerment and the importance of dialogue to this process. This book is valuable in its demonstration of how dialogue is critical to transformative learning and can help the reader see how this affects student self-awareness and consciousness."Reflective Teaching (Wabash Center)"Patricia Cranton's book offers thoughtful and practical insights for teaching and facilitating learning that is transformative and empowering. The book effectively integrates theory and practice, which has been invaluable in my journey of development in leadership education."April Hyoeun Bang, studentTeachers College"This new edition of Patricia Cranton’s classic book offers the most accessible and contemporary perspective on transformative learning theory. It is the ideal guide for both students and teachers who want to begin a journey related to the theory and practice of transformative learning."Ed Taylor, Professor of Adult EducationPenn State University at Harrisburg"With an expert teacher’s gift for clarity, Patricia Cranton maps the complexity of transformative learning and deftly analyzes how educators can promote it. This third edition of her classic book seamlessly incorporates recent scholarly discourse, and models how authentic teachers support learning through examples from her practice."Elizabeth Kasl, independent educator“Patricia Cranton’s third edition of Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning: A Guide to Theory and Practice highlights new directions in her use of these concepts and her recent empirical work. The author’s expertise comes from over two decades of working on theoretical and practical aspects of transformative learning theory in adult learning environments (e.g., university classrooms and professional development workshops). Her approach to sharing this scholarship highlights not only student learners’ experiences, but positions practitioners as transformative learners as well. Cranton’s work in this area not only encourages self-reflection, but also calls attention to emancipatory learning practices. It highlights awareness regarding power dynamics to create a more liberating adult learning environment.Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning is useful for educators in higher education, professional development, and other adult education settings. At the same time, the author includes a variety of new directions to push seasoned practitioners to continue their own transformative learning journeys.”Teachers College Record

• Preface to the Third Edition Acknowledgments 1. The Context of Transformative Learning 2. The Origins of Transformative Learning Theory 3. Transformative Learning Theory as an Integrated Perspective 4. Transformation. The Learner’s Story 5. Individual Differences 6. Educator Roles 7. The Importance of Power 8. Fostering Critical Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness 9. Supporting Transformative Learning 10. The Educator’s Transformative Process References About the Author Index