Abstracts
Abstract
This paper investigates how Transformative Learning has developed as the dominant theory in adult learning and education. The goals are to analyze the progressive self-sufficiency of the Theory from its discoverer and to examine its expansion as a mainstream in the field. The hypothesis is that the massive spread of the theory of Transformative Learning is due to its appeal as a master key to transformation. This has allowed the ‘autonomous’ development from Mezirow itself and the vast diffusion to the great detriment of conceptual coherence. The research questions are: How did Transformative Learning establish itself as a theory of adult education? What characteristics are at the base of this good fortune? How did Mezirow explore and then define the theory of Transformative Learning? Is the Mezirow’s reference theory another name for the Transformative Learning Theory? The article starts with the birth of Transformative Learning and then focuses on the consolidation of some core-concepts of the theory. The diffusion of different approaches will be discussed. Finally, the international affirmation of Transformative Learning is presented with references to the European network.
Keywords:
- Transformative Learning,
- Adult Education Theory,
- Transformation,
- Mezirow
Résumé
Cet article propose d’étudier l’apprentissage transformateur en tant que théorie dominante dans le champ de l’éducation des adultes. Il vise à étudier, d’une façon critique, cette théorie, devenue de plus en plus indépendante de son auteur. Le but de l’article est d’examiner les évolutions de ce construit et son expansion dans le champ de la formation des adultes. L’hypothèse est que la diffusion massive du construit d’apprentissage transformateur est due à la possibilité de le convoquer dans différents contextes et situations. Les questions de recherche traitées dans cet article sont les suivantes : Comment l’apprentissage transformateur s’est-il développé en tant que théorie de l’éducation des adultes ? Quelles sont ses caractéristiques ? Comment Mezirow a-t-il exploré puis défini la théorie de l’apprentissage transformateur ? Quelle est la théorie de référence de Mezirow ? L’article se structure en traitant de la naissance de la théorie et se focalise ensuite sur la consolidation de ses concepts de base. L’évolution des différentes approches sera discutée. Enfin, l’affirmation internationale de l’apprentissage transformateur est présentée notamment dans ses liens avec le réseau européen.
Mots-clés :
- Apprentissage Transformateur,
- Théorie de l’éducation des adultes,
- Transformation,
- Mezirow
Appendices
Bibliography
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