Change, Challenge, Transformation: A Qualitative Inquiry into Transformative Teacher Learning

  • Helena Kovacs Eötvös Loránd University
Keywords: transformative learning, educational change, teacher collaboration, school development

Abstract

In its essence, transformative learning is a dynamic and ever-emerging process, according to the core literature that deals with it. As such, when examined from the perspective of teacher professional development, transformative learning ceases being solely related to an individual and becomes a composition within which the individual creates and expands forms that need change. Thus, teacher learning that focuses only on new technology, methodology, and classroom management remains informative and valuable, but without a transformative character. This paper explores the underpinning principles of transformative learning by observing the notions of transformative change from the perspective of two non-traditional schools: one in Hungary and the other in Portugal. As such, the analysis and conclusions are formed using the data collected
through a qualitative inquiry of teachers and principals from the two selected schools. The results suggest that teacher transformative learning in the two specific settings is intimately related to the awareness and need
of change in education provisions, as well as with the challenges that this change brings. The gathered insights pave a way to a better understanding of the intricate and delicate tapestry of teacher learning in occasions in
which it embraces an everlasting reflective and transformative character. 

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Published
2018-09-28
How to Cite
Kovacs, H. (2018). Change, Challenge, Transformation: A Qualitative Inquiry into Transformative Teacher Learning. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 8(3), 99-118. https://doi.org/10.26529/cepsj.510