It is time to review the schedule for the placement of your session in the AAACE Agenda. This is the final draft of the Schedule. When you look up your name, use the detail listing to check what days/times you asked to be placed. This is a huge program and we can accommodate necessary changes in day and time now, but may not be able to do so after September 1, 2013 except in emergencies. Please carefully check your placement and send any requests to Ginger Phillips, AAACE Conference Planner with AAACE Session Change Request in the subject line. We will respond to your email, but it may take us up to a week to do so. Thanks for your help in "fine tuning" this agenda!
Are They Ready for Transformation?
Type of Presentation
Poster Session (45 minutes)
Session Abstract
Is transformative learning for everybody? The literature suggests that Mezirow's perspective transformation theory can only be achieved by adults who have gained a certain level of cognitive maturity.
Target Audience
Educators in general, Adult Educators, and especially adult learning graduate students.
Learning Outcomes
It is hoped that this presentation will give pause to those who may accept the plethora of publications endorsing the notion that the outcome of adult learning must be transformative. A basic outline of Mezirow's perspective transformation will be presented, with emphasis placed on his principle of meaning structures. A brief description of cognitive developmental theory will also be presented. The intent, then, is to encourage participants to challenge their current "assumptions" about transformative learning as the goal for all adult learners. Perhaps the goal is to provide the tools adult learners will need for possible future transformative experiences.
Session Description
As mentioned earlier, there is a plethora of literature supporting the directive that tranformational learning should be the goal and end result for all adult learners. Merriam (2004) suggests that not all adults are ready for transformation. In fact, many adult learners are not prepared cognitively to experience transformation. The research of cognitive development theorists such as Perry and Kitchener & King points out that cognitive development occurs in steps or phases, one building on the other. The question becomes, is transformative learning democratic? That is, are all adults equal in their ability to experience transformation? If not, then much of the transformational learning literature that encourages adult educators to teach for transformation should be questioned.
Efforts are made to try to schedule sessions on the day preferred by the Primary Presenter, though this cannot be guaranteed. Please check your preference.
Friday November 8