Introduction
Adult learning is becoming a common field of study due to the issues associated with knowledge acquisition and application in mature people. Some scholars have presented powerful theories that describe how such a process takes place. For instance, Jack Mezirow’s transformative learning and Baxter Magolda’s self-authorship model are powerful frameworks capable of guiding people’s decision-making strategies. Despite presenting divergent approaches, these theories guide adults who want to learn to reexamine their current knowledge, challenge their past ideas, and consider new ways to develop superior philosophies based on the acquired or emerging understanding.
Adult Learning Theories
Transformative Learning
Overview
The first theory that has stood out for me as a practical strategy for adult learning is that of transformative learning. The championing scholar behind this model is a great thinker by the name of Jack Mezirow. In his theory, Mezirow indicates that young adults and mature people will adjust the manner in which they think based on the nature of the available new information (Kurnia, 2021). In most cases, adults will focus primarily on the nature of emerging ideas and situations since things tend to change. The model suggests that people would be keen to monitor emerging perspectives if they are to get a detailed view of the changes taking place (Sanchez, 2018). To achieve this goal, critical reflection becomes a powerful process for guiding individuals to experience transformational understanding. By applying past ideas and knowledge as children, adults would engage in deep reflection in an effort to transform their present understanding.
To experience transformative learning, seven key phases are essential since they deliver the intended outcomes. The first one, the disorienting dilemma, denotes situations whereby participants realize that their past thoughts are inaccurate. The second stage, self-examination, allows individuals to analyze their current understanding and beliefs, thereby triggering additional perspectives. The third one, critical assessment, describes how learners examine their past views from a critical perspective. The fourth phase, planning the best course of action, allows individuals to identify the unique kind of learning capable of meeting their goals (Sanchez, 2018). The fifth stage, skill acquisition, allows individuals to implement the best plan for experiencing transformational learning. The sixth one, trying and exploring new roles, guides learners to begin acting positively after the emerging ideas have been clearly understood. The final stage, building self-efficacy, emerges when beneficiaries are able to make new or improved decisions and develop superior beliefs that could reshape their personal philosophies.
Personal and Professional Applications
Past
The theory of transformative learning is applicable in my life in several ways. First, the model has helped me appreciate my past experiences and views about the world and how they might not be true. For example, I used to have a limited understanding of religious beliefs, a malpractice that compelled me to remain reluctant and unwilling to learn more about other faith systems. Second, the model has encouraged me to identify new ideas and apply them to address some of the issues affecting my present and future life. Third, the studied theory has made it possible for me to appreciate the fact that learning is always an ongoing process (Kurnia, 2021). The seven-step plan has proved that individuals could focus on their personal knowledge dilemmas and consider the most appropriate tactics to address them. This approach would only succeed if people focused on additional views and understanding. This process would eventually result in new learning and guide me to pursue additional goals in life.
Future
The studied theory is timely and capable of guiding me in my future career and life. I now appreciate the fact that human knowledge is an ever-changing attribute whereby individuals will always acquire emerging ideas. This kind of appreciation explains why I would be keen to acquire new information. Before experiencing new knowledge, it would be necessary to consider the power of the outlined seven stages (Sanchez, 2018). I would identify my past understanding and engage in critical reflection. The strategy will make it easier for me to identify some of my personal gaps in knowledge and consider how I can improve them accordingly. By following the outlined stages, it will be possible to acquire additional ideas and become more skilled.
The identified model is practical and applicable to a wide range of personal experiences and situations. Being an adult, I would appreciate the notion my past views and understanding could be erroneous. Consequently, I would identify any emerging dilemma and apply the basics of transformational learning to demystify some of the existing myths or misconceptions (Kurnia, 2021). The strategy will increase my chances of becoming more successful and ready to appreciate new ideas. By applying the acquired knowledge, I will become more informed, capable of addressing some of the recorded challenges, and eventually achieve my personal and professional goals.
Self-Authorship
Overview
Self-authorship theory has become a common framework that guides people to engage in learning and relate with others more effectively. By expanding the original work by Kegan in 1994, Baxter Magolda was able to identify personal authorship as one’s internal ability to identify and define personal beliefs, emerging social relations, and identity. This achievement makes Magolda the main scholar championing the model. A person would need to collect data, engage in reflection, and analyze all ideas to develop unique perspectives (Lubicz-Nawrocka, 2018). The emerging attributes would guide them to interact with others and make timely decisions. An adult will experience various attributes, such as determining the path he or she needs to undertake, exploring own values, making meanings of the acquired information, and taking steps to achieve the intended aims.
Self-authorship presents four unique stages that individual learners need to take into consideration. The first one entails following outlined formulas, such as meeting family and career expectations, following outlined social norms and seeking approval from others. The second phase would be that of crossroads whereby adults appreciate that they need to develop their personal principles, values, and beliefs. They would consider the importance of authentic friendships and relations while focusing on how they could have a sense of direction. The third stage is becoming the true authors of their respective lives based on the formulated beliefs (Lubicz-Nawrocka, 2018). However, the emerging views remain contextual since individuals could renegotiate them based on emerging information. The final stage would be that of establishing a personal internal foundation.
If individuals are to benefit from this framework, they should be keen to implement and promote the key elements of this theory. Specifically, they should begin by trusting their inner senses and voices, thereby having a sense of control and the ability to address recorded issues (Caldicott et al., 2022). The establishment of an internal foundation is what results in a personal approach or philosophy for pursuing specific goals. Such people will benefit from secure views and commitments that guide them to live authentic lives while integrating both external and internal influences.
Personal and Professional Applications
Past
The attributes associated with self-authorship appear to resonate with my goals and commitments in life. For instance, I have always appreciated the importance of listening to my inner voice. This approach guides me to identify the nature of the recorded situation and the best way to respond accordingly. The theory presents a unique framework that describes how I have been keen to follow some of the social contracts and guidelines in the wider community (Caldicott et al., 2022). I have remained responsible and willing to meet the expectations of my career and family members. The process of learning has been continuous since I have been getting ideas from societal requirements, advisors and parents, and peer interactions.
Whenever some of my ideas are challenged, Identify new thoughts and apply them accordingly to become a better person. I have managed to develop personal beliefs that inform or guide most of my actions and decisions. Through continuous reflection, I have developed a new sense of understanding, thereby being able to change my thoughts depending on any emerging new information. The concept of pursuing new pathways remains practical and capable of transforming my life goals accordingly (Caldicott et al., 2022). These performances and practices appear to echo the major attributes associated with Magolda’s self-authorship theory.
Future
The ideas and concepts integrated in Magolda’s self-authorship theory will guide me to become a better and more successful person in the future. As an adult learning model, it offers specific guidelines for appreciating the current situation and considering the best approaches to realize meaningful results. The theory has encouraged me to start trusting my inner conscience. This practice would guide me to have total control of a given situation and respond in a professional manner (Caldicott et al., 2022). I will examine my current understanding and analyze whether it resonates with my new knowledge.
I would be keen to rely on the lessons gained from my peers, the wider community, and members of the family. The approach will make it easier for me to develop a personal framework for pursuing or completing a wide range of actions (Lubicz-Nawrocka, 2018). I would go further to secure internalized connections and commitment in order to start leading more life more authentically and effectively. It will be appropriate to examine the emerging forces in the external world and react accordingly (Lubicz-Nawrocka, 2018). These application strategies would result in new knowledge that could guide me to become a more informed and better person.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified two theories that remain instrumental and practical in adult learning. Transformative learning theory guides mature people to identify emerging dilemmas and resolve them through the acquisition of new knowledge. Magolda’s self-authorship presents a detailed plan for trusting the inner voice, establishing a unique foundation, developing a framework for pursuing actions, and securing relevant internal commitments. These models provide unique insights for acquiring new knowledge and relying on it to become better and more successful. Through the application of such frameworks, I will find it easier to formulate a powerful philosophy that will guide me in my future life and career.
References
Caldicott, J., Wilson, E., Donnelly, J. F., & Edelheim, J. R. (2022). Beyond employability: Work-integrated learning and self-authorship development. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 23(3), 375-391.
Kurnia, R. P. (2021). A case for Mezirow’s transformative learning. Dilgentia: Journal of Theology and Christian Education, 3(1), 73-82.
Lubicz-Nawrocka, T. (2018). From partnership to self-authorship: The benefits of co-creation of the curriculum. International Journal for Students as Partners, 2(1), 47-63.
Sanchez, B. Y. (2018). Transformational learning: Professional learning and teachers’ perspectives on professional learning communities. Journal of Education and Human Development, 7(4), 1-6.