Transformative Theory - Essay Example

Transformative Theory Transformative Theory is a theory that mainly focuses on the persons learning instead of the teacher. The theory asserts that the extent of motivation in an individual (Hilgard & Bower, 2006), mainly determines learning in him or her. In addition, it also states that, humans have a mind that is able to generate knowledge on its own even before learning a certain subject. On the other hand, the theory also focuses on subjects such as self-motivation, self-evaluation and personal accomplishment, where an individual learns a certain subject for personal benefits. In teaching about the path to a greater level of self-care to persons with diabetes, transformative theory is the most appropriate since; the subject is directly related to the learners and involves a wide range of information. Transformative Learning Theory The learning theory discussed is transformative theory, which explains learning as a personal generation of knowledge and intelligence (Learning Theories.com, 2013). The theory asserts that each person has some level of individual intelligence, which aids him or her in the learning process. Therefore, the theory focuses on an inner part of us that gives us understanding of different issues. Transformative theory also states that individuals tend to have different goals as they grow up and understand themselves (Nock, 1999).Therefore, the study of self is categorized as a stage of the learning process of an individual. With time, a person gets to know the kinds of things that interest him or her, and the kinds of choices that he or she needs to make in life. The theory also believes that learning will occur differently for different individuals. This implies that, individuals tend to be affected by different atmospheres in which they learn. The theory assumes that learning should be characterized by self-motivation and belief in oneself. Therefore, according to this theory, it is upon the learners to decide and direct their own learning (Hilgard& Bower, 2006). They need to understand and motivate themselves in the learning process through their thoughts and insights. A person’s thoughts can shape his or her understanding greatly since they might be negative or positive. For instance, if an individual develops negative understanding towards a particular subject, this will greatly affect his or her capacity to understand the subject clearly. In this discussion, the transformative theory will be appropriate in assessing learners’ attitudes towards the issue of self-care with diabetes. This is because; learners’ interest in the subject will determine their understanding significantly. In addition, according to the theory, learners should have some knowledge about the subject before being taught (Learning Theories.com, 2013). Therefore, teaching the subject should act as giving additional knowledge to the learners. Description of the Learners The learners that I will choose are patients suffering from diabetes. These are individuals who have already dealt with the subject matter previously. In addition, the subject affects the learners directly and thus, effective understanding will be required in order to ensure that the learners benefit from the teaching. To ensure full attention from the learners, the teaching will have to be resourceful with new ideas, which are different from the ones that learners have encountered before. This way, learners will be more motivated to listen to the subject. Relationship between the theory and the Learners The above-discussed theory will be appropriate for the learners because; it will enable them to benefit more from the teaching. When the learners are taught while they are self-motivated, then they will obtain more knowledge from the study than if another theory that does not use self-motivation was being used. Therefore, the transformative theory will be the most appropriate for the learners because; the subject that is being discussed concerns the learners directly. Transformative theory would not have been appropriate if learners were being taught a subject that is completely new to them. In addition, the theory would have also been inappropriate if the leaners were being taught for examination purposes. However, in this case, the subject is mainly for the health of the learners and thus; motivation is the key factor thus, making the transformative theory appropriate. Topic for the Class: The path to a greater level of self-care with diabetes Teaching Objectives Learners Objectives Objective Level Content Applicable to Each Objective Adult individuals who have recently experienced diabetic Symptoms Given a display of the strategies that can be used by a diabetic patient for effective self-care. Discuss per slide and as a group. Knowledge A power point presentation containing pictures of people practicing familiar and common strategies of self-care. Worded description of the strategies would be underneath each picture slide. Given new information regarding facts, myths and assumptions of self-care. Explain how personal views, attitudes, and perceptions about self-care strategies have either supported or impeded caring for diabetic patients Comprehension Open discussion will be held in order to allow individuals to voluntarily share their different experiences and beliefs. This will act as way of personalizing the learned content. Using are commended process guide, create a personalized schedule for the week with at least 3 days of exercise, specific times of administering insulin, and a specific diet program Application A video presentation of the way in which the schedules should be followed. Running Time: 2 minutes thirty seconds Handouts containing the recommended exercise program and diets will be issued to each patient On a worksheet, outline specific diseases that are associated with poor self-care. This should also be accompanied by the possible prevention mechanisms Analysis Share a video showing persons who have suffered from such diseases Running Time: (5:00) Using facts and statistics, class members will be shown how people are affected by diseases such eye disorders and nervous breakdown when they do not obtain effective self-care Compose an individualized well-typed plan containing 3 new self-care strategies. Patients will verbally commit to begin practicing one new strategy on the present day. Create An open discussion would be held, in order for each patient to share openly about the new strategy that they have decided to practice Learners will obtain new ways of self-care in diabetes and be able to share the information with their family and friends Receiving A self-reflective questionnaire would be issued 20 minutes before the end of the class session for purposes of self-examination Transformative Theory Applied The theory of transformation correlates well with the stated objectives in the way that it connects with the content. Therefore, with the transformative theory learners will be able to apply the strategies effectively. In addition, in the beginning of the class, learners will be allowed to verbally state their current self-care mechanism. This way, patients will be able to have a self-reflection of their habits. Transformative theory also states that the trainer has to first identify the previous beliefs of learners before teaching them new ideas. Therefore, learners will use their own knowledge to correlate it with the set objectives and understand more. Use of open discussions is also essential in transformative theory because; it helps to improve the communicative character of learners. Unity among the learners also improves and thus, learners can be able to share their different experiences openly. Learning each other’s points of view is very critical since it helps in expanding their thinking capacity. On the other hand, use of illustrations and presentations improves the understanding capacity of the learners. This will be followed by creation of a self-care schedule that would contain the precise times when learners are administered with insulin, or when they exercise. Learners will also be encouraged to set achievable and realistic goals since; results will not be obtained instantly. The final objective would be devising new personalized strategies of self-care. This mechanism is referred to as the paradigm of shift in transformative theory. It acts as a way of aiding the learners to renew their minds from previous assumptions and beliefs. Learners will be able to set new goals based on the newly established strategies. Filling the self-reflective questionnaires is also essential in transformative theory since; it aids to ascertain their progress when they start applying the new strategies. Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that the transformative theory will be very beneficial in teaching the path to a higher level of self-care. Patients will be well equipped with better mechanisms of self-care. In addition, the learners will also learn from each other thus, benefiting more. The teaching will also help the learners to set new goals and objectives thus leading to better self-care for diabetes. With the worksheets for self-reflection, the patients will also be able to understand themselves better than before. Thus, they will be more ready to apply the newly personalized strategies. References Collins, M. M., Bradley, C. P., O'Sullivan , T., & Perry, I. J. (2009). Self-care coping strategies in people with diabetes: a qualitative exploratory study.BMC Endocrine Disorders, 9(6), 1472-6823. Fonseca, V. A. (2008). Diabetes: Improving patient care. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hilgard, E. R., & Bower, G. H. (2006).Theories of learning. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Learning Theories,com (2013). Transformative theory. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://www.learning-theories.com/Transformativetheory.html Nock, A. J. (1999).The theory of education in the United States. Chicago: H. Regnery Co. Sigurdardottir, A. K. (2005). Self-care in diabetes: model of factors affecting self-care.Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14(3), 301=314. Read More