Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning: A Guide for Educators of Adults

by Patricia Cranton

Perceptive, provocative, and lucid...Patricia Cranton's clear and careful analysis and her down-to-earth examples of transformative learning concepts move my work significantly closer to the practitioner. Highly recommAnded!
--Jack Mezirow, professor emeritus of adult education, Teachers College, Columbia University

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

252 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 1994

Reviews

[Aaron Guzzwell]

This was a textbook for a course on transformative learning. I found it very accessible and not overly academic, and felt that the author struck a great balance between outlining the respective theory and providing examples of how it applies in society and in the reader.

I also found the process of reading the book to be very introspective. It garnered in me a lot of critical self reflection, and I feel I am a better person for having read it.

[Mary]

This fit the bill for questions about Mezirow’s theory and practical methodology for promoting transformation. It also expanded on questions of why some adults do not experience transformation even when the conditions are in place.

[Ilana]

Even though I was reading this for a thesis, I found myself enjoying the accessible style and confiding way Cranton wrote here. She drew me in and inspired me.

[Stephanie Nelson]

If you struggle with Mezirow, she will de-mystify him a lot. Even if you don't, it's still incredibly valuable.

[Nicole]

Overall, I enjoyed Cranton's book. She has a readable, accessible style and she does a handy job at integrating her discussion of theory and practice. As an outsider to adult education who finds kinship with transformative learning for many reasons, it's nice to find a primer with both heft and practicality.

[Yeva]

I think this book inspired me more than anything has in a long time. It made me think and made me change the way I teach. The book is interesting and informative, and still it contains great depth and wisdom. For anyone who works with adult learners, I want to say, "Find this book! It is fascinating."

[Julie]

Good overview of the theory - would have liked to see more examples and ideas for implementation.
Wish there was a book specifically about using this idea in health education.

[Kyle]

Easy to follow book by Prof. Cranton. She brings Dr. Mezirow's teaching to a new audience and makes it accesssible.

[Penny]

A required reading for an unfortunate choice of courses on my part. This is a long repetitive book that I will endeavor to forget as soon as this blasted course is over.