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Implementation of transformative learning program in practice
Keywords
Transformative learning, design, Volunteer Advocates for Youth
Session Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to design a transformative learning program for volunteers who advocate for Youth in the Dependency System (AYDS). Stages of transformative learning will be designed in a training program to reduce volunteers' biases towards the youth they advocate for.
Session Description
Advocates for Youth in the Dependency System (AYDS)” is a non-profit organization located within a large, diverse metropolitan in the western United States. The organization trains volunteers from the local community to serve as advocates for children and youth who have experienced abuse and/or neglect, and are under the jurisdiction of the county's Dependency Court.
Mezirow's theory of transformative learning will be used to design the training activities for the volunteers in order to decrease their bias and misconception of the marginalized customers.
Several main components of Mezirow's theory of transformative learning will be reflected in the design of this training program. These components include: (a) experience which is in conflict with learners’ core assumptions and triggers them to question their previously held assumptions, (b) reflective discourse which is used as a tool to critically assess learners’ original assumptions, to raise their awareness, and to form a new perspective, and finally, (c) taking actions to gain more information, knowledge, and tools and to help volunteers adjust into new roles, new relationship, and new environment.
The project is important since it demonstrates to the audience about how to implement transformative learning perspective into practice through a training program.