Applying a transformative learning framework to volunteer tourism

Abstract

This paper applies the educational theory of transformative learning to reconceptualising the practices of volunteer tourism. The theory of transformative learning posits a 10-step process to experience a radical shift in consciousness that dramatically and irreversibly alters how participants see their place in the world. Volunteer tourism has commonly been seen as a form of alternative tourism that provides a cathartic experience for the volunteer tourists and benefits to the hosting organisation and the natural and/or social environment of the project. Existing research suggests that these outcomes have not, as yet, been achieved by current practices in this sector. In referring to the theory of transformative learning we note that some, but not all, of the 10 steps have been applied and that we might therefore expect volunteer tourism to fall short of its promises. We conclude that the theory of transformative learning offers a useful framework for volunteer tourism, providing insights into the need to create opportunities for participants to complete the transformative process. We suggest that volunteer tourism organisations redesign their activities to include the remaining steps of transformative learning to improve their product for both the tourists and the sustainability outcomes of the projects.

对志愿性旅游应用转变型学习框架

该文章运用教育理论中的转变型学习对志愿性旅游的特征重新概念化。转变型学习理论通过十步步骤经历意识上的重要转变。该转变能戏剧性的和无法变更地改变参与者如何在世界上看待自己的位置。志愿者经常被看成一种通过为志愿者们提供净化性经历的特种旅游活动。该活动能给组织方和所在地带来自然, 和/或社会环境方面的好处。现有的研究表示上述的好处并没有完全在实际操作中达到。通过转变型学习方法理论的运用, 我们发现志愿旅游并没有达到之前提到的十大步骤, 因此我们认为志愿旅游在世纪操作中并没有能提供所有的好处。我们总结发现转变型学习方法理论可以为志愿旅游提供有用的框架, 并为参与者完成转变过程提供机会。我们建议志愿旅游组织重新设计活动安排, 可以将转变型学习理论中十大步骤的步骤包括进去, 因此可以为旅游者和项目的可持续化结果提供改进。

Keywords:

• volunteer tourism
• transformative learning
• sustainable tourism

Keywords:

• 志愿旅游
• 教育
• 社会变化