Transformative Learning by Simon Khan

 EDAC 634 Assignment 6 – Transformational Learning 

Simon Khan

 

Program Title: "Pathways to Home: Transformative Learning for Homelessness"

Goals/Objectives:

1. To empower individuals experiencing homelessness to transform their lives through a process of critical reflection and action.
2. To foster a supportive community where participants can share their experiences, engage in reflective discourse, and collectively work towards sustainable solutions to homelessness.
3. To equip participants with essential life skills, resources, and a renewed sense of agency to break the cycle of homelessness.

Rationales:

Transformational learning, as articulated by Jack Mezirow, is centered around the idea of individuals challenging their existing perspectives and assumptions through critical reflection and dialogue. It involves the following main ideas that will guide my project: 

1. Disorienting Dilemma: Participants will be exposed to experiences and narratives that challenge their current understanding of homelessness and its causes, creating a disorienting dilemma.
2. Critical Reflection: The program will encourage participants to critically reflect on their own experiences and beliefs about homelessness, questioning their assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints.
3. Reflective Discourse: A safe and open space for participants to engage in dialogue, share personal stories, andcollectively examine the structural factors contributing to homelessness.
4. Action: The program will facilitate actionable steps towards overcoming homelessness, providing life skills, resources, and support for participants to transform their lives.

Design:

My program comprises four main components inspired by Mezirow's transformative learning theory: Experience, Critical Reflection, Reflective Discourse, and Action.

Component	Learning Activities	Tools/Strategies/Methods
Experience Module 1	1. Guest speaker sessions from formerly homeless individuals sharing their stories in-person and via videos and documentary.	- Invited speakers - Personal narratives - Videos and Stories From Homeless People

 Links to an external site.

- The Homeless Problem - full documentary

Links to an external site.
	2. Immersive experiences, such as a day-in-the-life simulation of a homeless individual.	- Simulations - Guided activities
	3. Exposure to local shelters, services, and resources.	- Site visits - Outreach programs
Critical Reflection Module 2	1. Group discussions to explore personal experiences with homelessness.	- Facilitated group discussions - Prompts for self-reflection
	2. Journaling and written reflections on disorienting dilemmas and shifting perspectives.	- Journals - Writing prompts
Reflective Discourse Module 3	1. Small-group dialogues on systemic issues contributing to homelessness.	- Structured group discussions - Facilitators
	2. Peer-led sharing circles to build trust and create a supportive community.	- Peer-led groups - Safe space for sharing
	3. Collaborative problem-solving sessions addressing common challenges.	- Brainstorming sessions - Solution-focused discussions
Action Module 4	1. Workshops on life skills: budgeting, job readiness, housing search, and mental health.	- Interactive workshops - Guest facilitators
	2. Connection to local organizations providing housing assistance and employment support.	- Referrals - Community partnerships
	3. Development of personalized action plans and goal-setting with mentorship.	- Individualized plans - Mentors

How these learning activities will work in practice:

• Experience: Through guest speakers, videos, documentaries, simulations, and site visits, participants will gain firsthand insights into homelessness, creating a disorienting dilemma.
• Critical Reflection: Group discussions and journaling will encourage participants to critically examine their experiences and perspectives.
• Reflective Discourse: Small-group dialogues and sharing circles will provide safe spaces for participants to share and discuss their journeys and challenges. 
• Action: Workshops, connections to local organizations, and mentorship will empower participants to take concrete steps toward addressing their homelessness.

The program's success will be measured through participants' progression in acquiring life skills, securing stable housing and employment, and their self-reported transformations in attitudes and beliefs about homelessness. We will also assess the sense of community and support among participants as indicators of program effectiveness.

The implementation of the program will require dedicated facilitators, guest speakers, partnerships with local organizations, and a safe and inclusive physical or virtual space for participants to engage in transformative learning. Timetables, projected costs, and other logistical details will be outlined in the program's operational plan. 

Risks, such as potential participant dropouts or emotional distress, will be mitigated through comprehensive support structures and regular evaluations of the program's impact. Success will be determined by the extent to which participants can transition out of homelessness and contribute to breaking the cycle for themselves and others.

 

References 

Merriam, S. B., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide. John Wiley & Sons. 

Invisible People (2018). About Invisible People. https://invisiblepeople.tv/

 Links to an external site.

Mezirow, J., & Associates. (2000). Learning as transformation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.