Transformative Learning in Family Transitions in the Light of Religious Education

Authors

  • Nataša Rijavec Klobučar, Ph.D. Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana

Keywords:

transformative learning, transitional learning, religious education, divorce

Abstract

The article1 focuses on transformative learning during significant family life transitions demanding from family members to learn new roles, habits, operating modes, relating, and feeling. Transformative learning explains how one changes/learns by transforming the meaning of one’s experiences. In many cases, these experiences are painful and stressful for the learner, and the existing skills, knowledge and ways of coping are no longer sufficient.  In one’s life cycle, either predictable or unpredictable events present the opportunities for transitional and transformative learning, where the transformation of the individual, his skills, knowledge, habits, identity, and patterns takes place. Many significant events occur within the nuclear family, in the creation of a new family, the so-called family of procreation, or in the reorganization of the family such as the loss of a family member. Given the increasing number of divorces in Europe we have examined divorce as an extremely stressful trial for all family members, which brings change in the family structure charged with very strong emotions; considering the religious dimensions of an individual’s experience we have also presented opportunities for transformative, transitional learning from the perspective of religious education.

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Published

2017-06-13

Issue

Section

Challenges for the family faith formation