Through the U: a transformational research journey retold

Abstract

In this paper I reflect on my research interests and the significance of my personal learning in the course of my doctoral research journey. The paper particularly addresses how we learn and how we come to know, as well as considering the implications of this for teaching and learning in schools today. It builds on the many synchronistic experiences – ideas, authors and books – that became sources of inspiration for me, and especially the idea of deep learning. The U describes a deep learning process of transformational change characterised by deepening perception and awareness articulated in three major stages: transforming perception, transforming self and will, and transforming action. The paper represents my participation in a facilitated collaborative research group in which we were encouraged to experiment with creative ideas such as painting, writing Haiku and poetry as a way of exploring and clarifying our research ideas.

Keywords:

• transformative learning
• reflexivity
• narrative
• creative analytic practices
• doctoral research

Acknowledgements

I am especially grateful to Brendan McCormack whose inspirational facilitation and encouragement provided the context for the development of this paper, and to Joe Gazdula for initiating the collaborative research group. I am also grateful to Anne, Babs, Naomi, Sean and Sue for their supportive friendship during the collaborative process.