Skills Tasmania: Transformational Teaching and Learning

Transformative learning occurs when new or challenging information and experiences prompt educators to critically reflect on their assumptions, perspectives and established practices. As they work to make sense of these new ideas, they may shift their beliefs, reinterpret their experiences, and adopt new professional approaches.

Description

  • This transformative process is often initiated by a sense of uncertainty or cognitive dissonance that arises when encountering unfamiliar concepts, alternative viewpoints or innovative teaching practices. Through reflective dialogue, peer discussion and critical questioning, VET teachers explore the limitations of their current approaches, consider new ways of understanding their professional role, and begin to refine their practice accordingly.
    Educators then apply these new insights in their teaching environments, experimenting with updated strategies, reframing learner interactions, and strengthening their capability to respond to diverse learner needs.

  • Topics Covered:

    • The theory of transformative learning (Mezirow).
    • How transformative learning principles can be applied in VET teaching and assessment.
    • Creating opportunities for meaningful learner engagement and discussion.
    • Reflection strategies that support critical thinking and pedagogical growth.
    • Exploring emotional, cognitive and professional triggers that may arise for students and staff during transformative learning.

  • Learning Outcomes:

    • Explain the key principles of Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory within the VET context.
    • Reflect on and evaluate personal teaching assumptions to identify opportunities for professional growth.
    • Design learning activities that promote critical reflection and perspective‑shifting for VET learners.
    • Apply adaptive, learner‑centred teaching strategies that support transformative learning and improved practice.

  • Session includes:

    Certificate of Attendance

Who should attend this session?

Free session for participants employed by RTOs that hold a current Funding Agreement with Skills Tasmania.