[hr-education] HRE and transformative learning

Dear Colleagues,

Many of us involved in the field of human rights education believe that
our work is, or ought to be, "transformational." Some academics call
transformative learning the process of making meaning of one's experience.  
This leads to perspective transformation. In the human rights education
context, transformative learning ideally empowers the learner to makes
changes in her or his personal life or surroundings.

I am very interested to understand this idea and its implications for our
work and would appreciate hearing listserv members' thoughts on the
following questions:

- What do you understand by the term "transformational"?  Can a human
rights education experience that brings about a new perspective or
"meaning making" be considered transformational?

- What is the relationship between a transformed view at the personal
level to a personal will to take action in changing one's personal life or
community? As human rights educators, how much importance do we place on
seeing perspective transformation illustrated in action?

- Assuming that this the link between "meaning making" and action is
desirable, how can teaching/learning methodologies promote this chain of
events? One source on transformative learning identifies methodologies
such as truth telling, reflection, integration of heart and soul, and
dreams for the future. Another source identifies phases such as a
disorienting dilemma, self examination, exploration of new roles, planning
a course of action, and reintegration of one's new perspective into one's
life. What are the methodologies that human rights educators have used
that lead to transformation? Do these methods vary by context and group?

- Practically speaking, are there situations that lend themselves to a
"transformational" approach to HRE? For example, does this approach apply
especially well to oppressed groups or persons who have been traumatized
through domestic violence and conflict? If so, why?

I am eager to hear listserv members' thoughts on these questions, as I
find them central to the promise and challenge of human rights education.

Warm wishes,
Felisa



-------------------------------------
Felisa Tibbitts, Director
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) - USA office
PO Box 382396
Cambridge, MA 02238
(tel) +1 978 341-0200 (fax) +1 978 341-0201
(e-mail) ftibbitts@hrea.org (Web) http://www.hrea.org



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