Module One
OVERVIEW OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING AND DIAGNOSING THE LEARNER’S ASSUMPTION
Transformative learning theory was developed by Jack Mezirow, an American
sociologist and educator. Mezirow defines transformative learning as "the process of effecting
change in a frame of reference. A frame of reference is a "structure of assumptions through
which we understand our experience". Brookfield defines assumptions as "the taken-for-granted
beliefs about the world and our place within it that guide our actions. "Taken-for-granted beliefs
presumed to be true, although their centrality is not yet established nor known. In short, a frame
reference is a set of taken-for-granted beliefs. The purpose of transformative learning, according
to Mezirow is to make of frame reference more inclusive, discriminating, open, emotionally
capable of change and reflective so that they may generate beliefs and opinions that will prove
truer or justified to guide action. Transformative learning focuses on problematic frames of
reference. These frames could be result of cultural bias, prejudice, hate, stereotyping, sexism,
Islamophobia, and homophobic tendencies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, you are expected to
1. Identify some problematic frames of reference and correct them.
2. Transform some basic assumptions you learn from the Old traditions, culture, and even family
orientation.
3. Contrast the kinds of assumption by citing concrete examples
Learning Activity 1:
In this activity you are asked to identify what you think are problematic frames or reference.
Identify five and write them on the left column of the table. On the right column give your
reason why you think that particular frame of reference is problematic.
For example:
Frame of reference Why this frame of reference is problematic
The right place of women is in the house Women can also excel in other fields other
taking care of the children than child-rearing
Students who perform poorly in academics The learning styles of the students were not
are lazy considered in designating the course
Frame of reference Why this frame of reference is problematic
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Lesson 1: NATURE OF ASSUMPTION
CONTENT
Assumption Defined
Stephen Brookfield defines assumptions as “taken-for-granted beliefs about the world
and our place within it that guide our actions.” Kies says that assumptions are beliefs or ideas
that we hold to be true-often with little or no evidence required. It can also be defined as
An assumption is an unexamined belief: what we think without realizing we think it. Our
inferences (also called conclusions) are often based on assumptions that we haven't thought
about critically. A critical thinker, however, is attentive to these assumptions because they are
sometimes incorrect or misguided. Just because we assume something is true doesn't mean it is.
Kinds of Assumptions
Brookfield identifies three kinds of assumptions, namely, paradigmatic, prescriptive, and
casual. According to him paradigmatic assumptions are “structuring assumptions we used to
order the world into fundamental categories”. The operative word here is “fundamental
categories.” This means that we assume that some things, actions, people, and events have their
proper place in the world. For examples: Gifts are symbols of generosity, cooking is a skill,
educated people possess
good manners, Teachers are exemplars of moral excellence, Birthdays are joyous events.
Nkwake lists down five forms of paradigmatic assumptions-ontological, epistemological,
cultural, and idiosyncratic assumptions.
Ontological assumptions are assumptions we make about reality. Epistemological assumptions
are assumptions about how reality can be known. Cultural assumptions are cultural biases
through which we interpret the world. Idiosyncratic assumptions are products of an individual’s
personal experience.
Prescriptive assumptions are assumptions about what we think ought to be happening in a
particular situation.
Paradigmatic assumption: Students learns best though collaborative learning activity.
Prescriptive assumption: Teachers should engage students in collaborative learning activity
to maximize learning
Casual assumptions are assumptions about how the different parts of the world work and about
the conditions under which these can be changes. For example, when there is smoke, there is fire.
THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE,
INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, UPLOADING, OR POSTING
ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
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Learning activity 2:
Name: ________________________________________ Course: _________________
Directions: Give your personal paradigmatic assumption of the topics listed on the left column.
On the right column, write your paradigmatic assumption. Write legibly
Topic My personal paradigmatic assumption
Marriage
Religion
Education
Honesty
Family
Friendship
Death
Old people
Police officers
Politicians
Learning Activity 3:
Name: ____________________________________ Course: _____________________
Directions: In this activity, you need the help of other people. They could be your parents,
siblings, friends, relatives, or neighbors. Ask them about their prescriptive assumption about the
topics listed on the left column. On the right column, write their responses. You need to explain
to them the concept of the prescriptive assumption.
Topic Prescriptive assumption
Marriage
Religion
Education
Honesty
Family
Friendship
Death
THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE,
INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, UPLOADING, OR POSTING
ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
THE UNIVERSITY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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Old people
Police officers
Politicians
THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE,
INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, UPLOADING, OR POSTING
ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
THE UNIVERSITY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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