European Perspectives on Transformation Theory

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. Introduction

   • Alexis Kokkos, Ted Fleming, Fergal Finnegan

   Pages 1-6

3. Context and Development of Transformation Theory in the European Field of Adult Education

   • Ted Fleming, Alexis Kokkos, Fergal Finnegan

   Pages 7-25

4. Reviewing and Expanding the Theory

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 27-27

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   2. Connected Knowing in Belenky and Honneth: Implications for Transformative Learning Theory

      • Ted Fleming

      Pages 29-42

   3. ‘Freedom Is a Very Fine Thing’: Individual and Collective Forms of Emancipation in Transformative Learning

      • Fergal Finnegan

      Pages 43-57

   4. Coming to Grips with Edge-Emotions: The Gateway to Critical Reflection and Transformative Learning

      • Kaisu Mälkki

      Pages 59-73

   5. Theory Development Between Tradition and Innovation: Exploring Systems Thinking Within and Beyond Transformative Learning Theory

      • Saskia Eschenbacher

      Pages 75-91

   6. Time and the Rhythms of Transformative Learning

      • Michel Alhadeff-Jones

      Pages 93-109

   7. Communicative Practices in Work and Training Contexts: Exercising Transformative Authority?

      • Jerome Eneau, Eric Bertrand

      Pages 111-126

5. Connecting Theory with Educational Practice

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 127-127

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   2. Introducing the Method Transformation Theory in Educational Practice

      • Alexis Kokkos

      Pages 129-144

   3. Disorienting Dilemmas and Irritations in Professional Development: A Longitudinal Study of Swiss Teacher-Students

      • Anna Laros, Julia Košinár

      Pages 145-159

   4. New Scenario for Transformation: How to Support Critical Reflection on Assumptions Through the Theatre of the Oppressed

      • Alessandra Romano

      Pages 161-176

   5. Promoting Transformative Learning Through English as a lingua franca: An Empirical Study

      • Nicos C. Sifakis, Stefania Kordia

      Pages 177-192

   6. The Theory and Practice of Evaluating Transformative Learning Processes

      • Claudio Melacarne

      Pages 193-206

   7. Sustainability, Reflection, Transformation and Taking Back Our World

      • Ian Jasper

      Pages 207-222

6. Transformative Learning in Organizations

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 223-223

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   2. “Not Only a Man With a Drip”: Cancer as a Shared Social Practice

      • Loretta Fabbri, Elisabetta Di Benedetto

      Pages 225-240

   3. Reframing Professional Challenges Through Action Learning Conversations in Medical Organizations

      • Maura Striano

      Pages 241-254

This book offers a concise and comprehensive exploration of the theory of transformative learning by European researchers. Exploring Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning as a ‘living theory’, the editors and contributors ask whether there a uniquely European perspective on this theory that reflects Europe’s traditions and contexts. What is the nature of that perspective, and how is it similar or different to those espoused in the USA? This book outlines how the theory of transformative learning has been developed by European researchers, and how it has built upon, critiqued, and enriched the Transformation Theory proposed by Mezirow. Consequently, this volume outlines new theoretical perspectives for the future evolution of transformative learning and explores theoretical perspectives that can be put into practice in a range of fields. This wide-ranging volume will be of interest and value to all those interested in transformative learning theory.

• Transformative Learning
• Jack Mezirow
• Axel Honneth
• Transformative ELT
• Professional development
• Transformative learning in Europe
• learning and instruction

• Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA

  Ted Fleming

• Hellenic Open University, Athens, Greece

  Alexis Kokkos

• The Department of Adult and Community Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland

  Fergal Finnegan

Ted Fleming is Adjunct Associate Professor of Adult Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA. Formerly Head of Department and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Maynooth University, Ireland, his research interests include non-traditional students in higher education and critical theory.
 
Alexis Kokkos is Professor of Adult Education at Hellenic Open University, Greece, and Chairman of the Hellenic Adult Education Association. He is also a co-convenor of ESREA’s European network Interrogating Transformative Processes in Learning and Education. 
 
Fergal Finnegan is Lecturer at the Department of Adult and Community Education at Maynooth University, Ireland. He is a co-editor of the Journal of Transformative Education and co-convenes the ESREA network Active Democratic Citizenship and Adult Learning.

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