BUILDING UPON THE THEORETICAL DEBATE - A CRITICAL-REVIEW OF THE EMPIRICAL-STUDIES OF MEZIROWS TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING-THEORY

This critical literature review is an attempt to build upon the theore tical debate of Mezirow's transformative learning theory by investigat ing what the empirical studies have to say about a perspective transfo rmation. The review finds much support for Mezirow's theory, but at th e same time suggests a need to reconceptualize the process of a perspe ctive transformation. The review discloses a learning process that nee ds to recognize to a greater degree the significant influence of conte xt, the varying nature of the catalyst of the process, the minimizatio n of the role of critical reflection and increased role of other ways of knowing and relationships, and an overall broadening of the definit ional outcome of a perspective transformation. Research needs to conti nue, particularly in the areas of cultural diversity, the fostering of transformative learning in the classroom, and the nature of and relat ionship between critical reflection and other ways of knowing. Designs of research including other methods beyond interviews, such as observ ations and content analysis in an ongoing educational context, would a lso be valuable.