This study seeks to understand how adult literacy educators foster transformative learning through being a learning companion. Based on interviews with eight literacy educators, it explores how the educators deliberately and consciously create a safe environment, build trust, help learners overcome their fears, create possibilities, foster self-discovery, and work with the whole person.
Belenky, M.F., & Stanton, A.V. (2000). Inequality, development, and connected knowing . In J. Mezirow & Associates (Eds.), Learning as transformation: Critical perspectives on a theory in progress. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass .
2.
Boyd, R.D. (1991). Personal transformation in small groups: A Jungian perspective. London: Routledge.
3.
Boyd, R.D., & Myers, J.B. (1988). Transformative education. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 7, 261-284.
4.
Buteau, R. (2007). Balancing acts: A phenomenological study of single mothers who are successful students in higher education. In L. Servage & T. Fenwick (Eds.), Learning in community: Proceedings of the Joint International Conference of the Adult Education Research Conference and the Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education. Halifax, NS: Mount St. Vincent University.
5.
Carter, T. (2000). The voice of relationship: Transformative learning through developmental relationships in the lives of mid-career women. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, George Washington University.
6.
Chipping, D., & Morse, R. (2006). Using a supportive mentoring relationship to aid independent action research. London: DfES and the National Teacher Research Panel.
7.
Clark, M.C., & Sandlin, J.A. (2007). Adult learner success stories: The impact of shifting political discourses on adult literacy education. In L. Servage & T. Fenwick (Eds.), Learning in community: Proceedings of the Joint International Conference of the Adult Education Research Conference and the Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education. Halifax, NS: Mount St. Vincent University.
8.
Cranton, P., & Taylor, E. (Eds.). (2007). Transformative learning: Issues of difference and diversity. In Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Transformative Learning. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico College of Education.
9.
Daloz, L.A. (1999). Mentor: Guiding the journey of adult learners (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
10.
Daloz, L.A. (2000). Transformative learning for the common good. In J. Mezirow & Associates (Eds.), Learning as transformation: Critical perspectives on a theory in progress . San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
11.
Dirkx, J. (1997). Nurturing soul in adult learning. In P. Cranton (Ed.), Transformative learning in action: Insights from practice. New directions for adult and continuing education (No. 74, pp. 79-88). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
12.
Dirkx, J. (2001). The power of feelings: Emotion, imagination, and the construction of meaning in adult learning. In S. Merriam (Ed.), The new update on adult learning theory . New directions for adult and continuing education (No. 89, pp. 63-72). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
13.
Dirkx, J.M., Mezirow, J., & Cranton, P. (2006). Musings and reflections on the meaning, context, and process of transformative learning: A dialogue between John M. Dirkx and Jack Mezirow. Journal of Transformative Education, 4(2), 123-139.
14.
English, L.M., Fenwick, T.J., & Parsons, J. (2003). Spirituality of adult education and training. Malabar, FL: Krieger.
15.
Fletcher, S. (2007). Mentoring adult learners: Realizing possible selves . In M. Rossiter (Ed.), Possible selves and adult learning: Perspectives and potential. New directions for adult and continuing education (No. 114, pp. 75-86). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
16.
Gilly, M.S. (2004). Experiencing transformative education in the "corridors" of a non-traditional doctoral program. Journal of Transformative Education, 2(3), 231-242.
17.
Merriam, S.B. (2004). The role of cognitive development in Mezirow's transformational learning theory. Adult Education Quarterly , 2(39), 99-107.
18.
Merriam, S.B., Caffarella, R.S., & Baumgartner, L.M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
19.
Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative dimensions of adult learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
20.
Mezirow, J. (2000). Learning to think like an adult: Core concepts of transformation theory. In J. Mezirow & Associates (Eds.), Learning as transformation: Critical perspectives on a theory in progress. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
21.
Mezirow, J. (2004). Forum comment on Sharan Merriam's "The role of cognitive development in Mezirow's transformational learning theory." Adult Education Quarterly, 55(1), 69-70.
22.
Whyte, D. (2001). The teacher's vocation: Nurturing the imagination of others. Langley, WA: Many Rivers .