Exploring transformative learning: drawing on the expertise and lived experiences of the transformation community

Aha learning moments, or Eureka moments, are defined as moments of sudden understanding, when learners begin to see connections that they were previously oblivious to (Pilcher, 2016). Associated with these moments are feelings of excitement, deeper understanding, realisation, and a change in perspective (Pilcher, 2016). These moments have been recognised by educators as powerful opportunities for learning. Transformative learning involves perspective transformation, the evolution of a learner’s understanding of the world, the reformulation of experience, and the adoption of new ways of behaving–the ultimate outcome of a good education (Nichols, Choudhary, & Standring, 2020). Learners of sustainable development, in particular, are required to achieve these outcomes whilst simultaneously navigating conditions of complexity and ambiguity, and to seek innovative solutions to contemporary problems amidst complex systems. To gain a transdisciplinary understanding of transformative learning, we take this opportunity to engage with scholars, practitioners and artists in dialogue. In this session, we adopt an integrated methodology of expert elicitation and phenomenological reflection to draw on the lived experiences of the transformation community (aligning with transformative innovation - conference theme1) about how to evaluate and assess (conference theme2) current conceptualisations of transformative learning (and knowledge practices - conference theme3).