An Immersive Placements and Moral Growth at Barretstown: Integrating a Transformative Framework With Preservice Teachers in Marianist Teacher Education

Abstract

This study examines how immersive experiential learning at Barretstown, a therapeutic camp in Ireland, nurtures intellectual, ethical, and spiritual growth in preservice teachers. Framed by William Jame s’ four characteristics of mystical experience, ineffability, noetic quality, transiency, and passivity, and grounded in the Marianist philosophy of education, the research employs a qualitative, phenomenological design. Reflective narratives from three teacher candidates were thematically coded, revealing transformative experiences marked by ineffable joy, revelatory insight, enduring impact, and openness to grace. Findings suggest that experiential learning integrated with spiritual and communal formation cultivates educators grounded in empathy, moral awareness, and authentic presence.