Transformative learning in a transformed learning environment

Abstract

Covid-19 presented a number of unforeseen issues for full-time mature students’ transformative learning experiences. The key question being explored in this research is whether mature students achieved transformative learning, given the unanticipated transfer of much of their college learning experience to an on-line environment, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This research is based on a detailed exploration of the learning experiences of 104 full-time mature students from two Institutes of Technology in Ireland. By using reflective accounts, which were structured using Mezirow’s 10 phases of transformative learning, respondents were able to describe their views, insights, opinions and experiences. Based on the information elicited from respondents, a number of themes were identified, namely, personal circumstances, career, qualifications, personal growth, and confidence, all of which provided significant evidence of the achievement of transformative learning among the full-time mature student respondents in this research.