Perspective Transformation
Abstract
A cardinal dimension of adult development and the learning most uniquely adult pertains to becoming aware that one is caught in one's own history and is reliving it. This leads to a process of perspective transforma tion involving a structural change in the way we see ourselves and our rela tionships. If the culture permits, we move toward perspectives which are more inclusive, discriminating and integrative of experience. We move away from uncritical, organic relationships toward contractual relation ships with others, institutions and society. Perspective transformation refor mulates the criteria for valuing and for taking action. Behavior change is often a function of such transformation. In this emerging transformation theory, adult education finds its own inherent goals and functions.
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Transformative learning theory examines how critical reflection can challenge a learner's beliefs and assumptions.
“Transformative learning theory explores the way in which critical reflection can be used to challenge the learner's beliefs and assumptions (Mezirow 1978(Mezirow , 1990(Mezirow , 1995) )”
From Adult learning theories: Implications for learning and teaching in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 83 (2013) · cites this paper as Mezirow 1978
Perspective transformation theory is most appropriate for acquiring ethics and professionalism competencies.
“Perspective transformation theory (Mezirow 1978) is most appropriate for acquiring these competencies.”
From Adult learning theories: Implications for learning and teaching in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 83 (2013) · cites this paper as Mezirow 1978
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- Authors
- Mezirow, J.
- Affiliations
- Columbia University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Mezirow, Jack
- Venue
- Adult Education
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 1978-01
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 100-110
- ISSN
- 0001-8481 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4238999211
- Cited by
- 1,463
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 90 · 2025: 142 · 2024: 109 · 2023: 119 · 2022: 144 · 2021: 99 · 2020: 115 · 2019: 110 · 2018: 76 · 2017: 53 · 2016: 39 · 2015: 51 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 29
- FWCI
- 24.02
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Adult Education (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Education › Adult and Continuing Education Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Ego Development and Educational Practices
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
- Keywords
- homography, adult development, adult learning, self-awareness, history and identity, relational change, behavior change, transformation theory
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