Transformational learning involves rethinking personal experience and looking at new knowledge in terms of previous events. Supposedly, conscious transformational learning is an extremely rare act (Baumgartner & Merriam, 2020).
My own experience of transformational learning happened during the first practical sessions. I suddenly realized that the large number of theories that did not always seem to apply to real-life gradually became useful in practice. My previous experience of studying theory, which seemed to me not always appropriate in such a volume, suddenly became relevant. I began to look at practice more consciously, implementing the learned concepts of interaction with patients and colleagues, and my previous experience became more valuable. This example of transformational learning happened predominantly due to my developed self-reflection; however, it was also achieved in the educational environment, because of the teachers who intelligently balanced the learning process.
The faculty has significant opportunities in organizing the transformational learning process. Faculty can introduce a new learning trend and encourage student success. Transformational learning has a strong connection with mindfulness, and the process can be started by encouraging students to gain the qualities of self-esteem, self-perception, and assessment of their knowledge (Billings & Halstead, 2019). Frequent revisiting of previous topics and building links between pieces of information can also help the process. I would use engagement strategies to encourage transformational learning acts. To do this, I would create a class community in which each student exchanges ideas and experiences, regardless of academic performance. This strategy is effective because it involves focusing not only on the personal but also on the social component of transformational learning. This strategy encourages collaboration and helps create strong links between learning and practice.
References
Baumgartner, L. M., & Merriam, S. B. (2020). Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide. United Kingdom: Wiley.
Billings, D. M., & Halstead, J. A. (2019). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty. United States: Elsevier.