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Dr. Paul R. Scheele is a 2013 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership & Change at Antioch University.

Below: Dr. Scheele at his Dissertation Defense in Yellow Springs, Ohio, 2013 with his committee members:

Left : Dr. Jon Wergin, Dissertation Chair, Center: Dr. Paul Schelee, Right: Dr. Elizabeth Holloway, Committee Member

Keywords

Transformative learning theory, Transformational leadership, Critical Incident Technique, Mixed-method study, Constructivist developmental theory, Adult collaborative learning, Facilitating transformation, Leadership development, Indigenous wisdom, instructional design, Ecology, Spirituality

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

This study examined transformation within individuals in a collaborative adult learning context. Using a combination of methods—surveys and critical incident technique (CIT)—the study explored in depth the experiences of 28 subjects from a population of 100 participants in an open-enrollment workshop, the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium produced by the Pachamama Alliance. The program employs high-impact training approaches to inform participants about social injustices and environmental practices that threaten the planet, and to encourage them to act on that information. The research focused on critical incidents at or shortly after the workshop that produced significant and meaningful change in the subjects. It also examined the stimuli and the internal processes experienced and reported by the subjects that appear to be most transformative. Its objective was to help inform the way in which transformative learning is studied. The study found that the research method was effective for examining transformative learning in adults. Six significant findings emerged from the data, among them that the critical incidents of transformative learning were the internal changes subjects described: initial changes in awareness or perspective, in connections, in decisions about future action, and in emotions or sensory perceptions. An understanding of this finding and the others can help educators and organizational leaders facilitate transformation within individuals and organizations. Limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for future studies are offered. The electronic version of this Dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink. edu/etd.

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Paul R. Scheele, Ph.D. is the CEO of Scheele Learning Systems

Paul Scheele on Leadership [You Tube]

paul@scheelelearning.com

http://scheelelearning.com/

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