Transformative learning changed the way I saw my job as a teacher

Transformative learning theory is an adult learning application through which learners are confronted with a “disorienting dilemma” that they have to then work through in order to transform their understanding (Johnson and Olanoff, 2020).

I learned that in grad school.

A disorienting dilemma. Apparently, this refers to a problem that presents you with an outcome that goes against your previously held beliefs.

Here’s one of the classics:

You believe that lying and stealing is wrong. But your wife or child is dying of some insanely rare cancer and there is only one medication in the world that can save them. Unfortunately, thanks to Big Pharma, you can’t afford the medication. Is it then acceptable to break into the pharmacy and steal the medication to save your loved one’s life? What if doing so prevents another person from receiving the medication and now that person is going to die?

A disorienting dilemma.

According to the principles of transformative learning, when presented with the above dilemma, you’re supposed to rationally consider it, debate and discuss with your peers, and come to the conclusion that maybe lying and stealing is okay in some circumstances.

Here’s one a little more recent and realistic:

You believe that your job as a teacher is to play an instrumental role in the cultivation of young minds to become critical thinking, analytical, competent participants in society one day.

But then the school board starts banning books.

And then the State cuts funding.

Then you are precluded from asking students their pronouns.

Then you are precluded from using a student’s chosen pronouns even if they ask you to.

Now you have a copy of the 10 Commandments hanging in your classroom.

Through rational consideration and discussion/debate with your colleagues, do you still believe that your job as a teacher is to play an instrumental role in the cultivation of young minds to become critical thinking, analytical, competent participants in society one day?

Or maybe you’re being set up for a role you didn’t sign up for.

Johnson & Olanoff (2020). Using transformative learning theory to help prospective teachers learn mathematics that they already “know.” Mathematics enthusiast, 17(2/3), 725–769. https://doi.org/10.54870/1551-3440.1502