The Identification of Transformational Learning Factors and Consequences: The Factors of Women Returning to Education

Subject Areas : Psychology

Mahnaz  Akhavantfte ¹ (Alzahra University in Tehran, Department of Educational Psychology, Tehran, Iran.)
Zahra  Rajabpour Azizi ² (Alzahra University in Tehran, Department of Educational Psychology, Tehran, Iran.)

Received: 2019-05-26 Accepted : 2019-11-25 Published : 2019-12-22

Keywords: Transformative Learning, Return factors to Education, Women,

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors and consequences of women's returning to education in Ghaemshahr. The study population was adult female undergraduate students in the city. Fifteen adult female students from Farvardin University of Ghaemshahr were selected using convince sampling procedure over 36 years old. The qualitative research approach was phenomenological. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and coded then analyzed using content analysis. The analysis of the data showed that various factors played roles in shaping the transformative learning in women. The most important potential influences were shown to be the devoid of feeling, the death of a beloved, engagement in a relationship, divorce, and job loss. Five factors of mental health, family, achievement goals, financial security, and obtaining an educational degree were identified to be the reasons for the entry of adult women into higher education. In addition, according to the results of this study, four themes of growth of critical thinking, cultural change, affections, and spirituality were identified as transformational learning outcomes in this study.

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