This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (5) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Merriam, S. B. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

The Role of Cognitive Development in Mezirow’s Transformational Learning Theory

University of Georgia-Athens, smerriam{at}coe.uga.edu

The link between development and learning is explicit in Mezirow’s theory of transformational learning. Indeed, numerous studies have documented that growth and development are outcomes of transformational learning. What has not been questioned, and what is argued in this Forum article, is that it appears one must already be at a mature level of cognitive functioning to engage in the transformational learning process. For transformational learning to occur, one must be able to critically reflect and engage in rational discourse; both of these activities are characteristic of higher levels of cognitive functioning.

Key Words: transformational learning theory • cognitive development • critical reflection • rational discourse

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				D. M. Erickson A Developmental Re-Forming of the Phases of Meaning in Transformational Learning Adult Education Quarterly, November 1, 2007; 58(1): 61 - 80. [Abstract] [PDF]

				W.-W. Chang Cultural Competence of International Humanitarian Workers Adult Education Quarterly, May 1, 2007; 57(3): 187 - 204. [Abstract] [PDF]

				Dae Joong Kang Rhizoactivity: Toward a Postmodern Theory of Lifelong Learning Adult Education Quarterly, May 1, 2007; 57(3): 205 - 220. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. Wilhelmson Dialogue Meetings as Nonformal Adult Education in a Municipal Context Journal of Transformative Education, July 1, 2006; 4(3): 243 - 256. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. Brown, E. Falkingham, C. Fischbach, K. Nerud, and H. Schmidt Meeting Nursing Shortage Needs Through Educational Partnerships: LPN to RN Under One Roof Home Health Care Management Practice, December 1, 2005; 18(1): 44 - 48. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. Ziegahn Critical Reflection on Cultural Difference in the Computer Conference Adult Education Quarterly, November 1, 2005; 56(1): 39 - 64. [Abstract] [PDF]

				O. Gunnlaugson Toward Integrally Informed Theories of Transformative Learning Journal of Transformative Education, October 1, 2005; 3(4): 331 - 353. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Mezirow Forum Comment on Sharan Merriam's "The Role of Cognitive Development in Mezirow's Transformational Learning Theory" Adult Education Quarterly, November 1, 2004; 55(1): 69 - 70. [PDF]