Teachers College will host the 11^th International Transformative Learning Conference from October 23-26, just a month after the passing of adult education innovator and pioneer (and TC Emeritus Professor) Jack Mezirow, who created the conference in 1998 with two TC students, Colleen Wiessner (deceased) and Nancy Pfahl

This year themed “Spaces of Transformation   and Transformation of Space,” the conference embraces the many streams of transformative learning theory—those perspectives taking Mezirow as a reference point as well as those based on different lenses (e.g., holistic, spiritual, embodied) or those arising from other theoretical perspectives (e.g. depth psychology, developmental psychology, lifespan development, critical pedagogy). An innovative feature will be extended time in interactive “transformation spaces” through which participants will experience active engagement with thought leaders whose work with various constituents will then be considered in light of transformative learning.

The extensive lineup of speakers includes TC’s Gary Natriello, Ruth L. Gottesman Professor in Education Research; Hui-Soo Chae, Director of Research & Development for EdLab at TC’s Gottesman Libraries; Dennis Chambers (M.A.’99, M.A.’02, Ed.D.’10) Public Safety Officer II; Victoria Marsick, Professor of Education and Director of TC’s J.M. Huber Institute; Lyle Yorks, Associate Professor of Adult and Continuing Education, and Director of TC’s AEGIS program in adult education; Jeanne Bitterman, Senior Lecturer, Adult Learning & Leadership; Carmela Bennett, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Organization and Leadership; and doctoral students Mariana Ines Vergara and Evelyn Troester.

A conjoined, but separate, first International Coaching Conference is offered just prior to the Transformative Learning Conference on October 22-23. It is based on a related theme of “Space as Context” for Executive and Organizational Coaching. This conference is organized by Prof. Terrence Maltbia, Senior Lecturer, Adult Learning & Leadership, and Faculty Director, Columbia Coaching Certification Program.

The Transformative Learning Conference will feature a special commemorative session in Mezirow’s honor. The closing session will feature the inaugural presentation of The Jack Mezirow Living Theory of Transformative Learning Award. The award is inspired by Mezirow’s efforts to engage the field of adult education in thinking theoretically about adult learning. 

Click here for more information about the conference.     

Published Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014