Learning for Another: From Self-Interest to Altruism

Abstract

This qualitative study offers an examination of the learning experiences of six individuals, each of whom initially learned for self-interested purposes, but later experienced a shift in their desire and pursued learning to benefit others. We conducted interviews that described this phenomenon and provided insight into the following question: What is the experience of a learner who transitions from learning out of self-interest to learning for the sake of another? Findings of this study include narrative case summaries for each participant and a cross-case analysis that includes six major themes regarding participants’ transition to altruistic forms of learning: humility as a prerequisite, communal learning, emphasis on the success of others, becoming more self-confident, becoming a more effective learner, and becoming more other centered. Overall, participants in this study found the most meaning by helping recipients achieve their own growth and development rather than by merely accomplishing tasks.