What transforms? – Transformative learning in a sustainability leadership master’s program

Abstract

Purpose Transformative learning and leadership are key leverage points for supporting society’s transition towards sustainability. The purpose of this study was to identify the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master’s program in Sweden. The study also prototypes a typology for transformative learning (TTL) in the context of sustainability leadership education. Design/methodology/approach Alumni spanning 15 cohorts provided answers to a survey, and the responses were used to identify the outcomes of the program. Graduates were asked to describe what transformed for them through the program. Empirical data was coded prototyping the use of the TTL in sustainability education context. Findings Graduates of the Master’s in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability program, described transformation with regards to their Self-in-relation to Others and the World, their Self-knowledge, sense of Empowerment/Responsibility; their Worldview became More Comprehensive or Complex, and they gained New Awareness/New Understandings which transformed their Worldview. Many described transformations in their general Ways of Being in the world. Findings suggest the TTL learning as a good basis for analysis in the education for sustainable development (ESD) context. Suggestions for the TTL include further development of the process that articulates the relational, interdependent and perhaps a priori relationships between elements that transform. Research limitations/implications This study presents the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master’s program. It prototypes the use of a TTL within the ESD context using empirical data. This combination provides practical insights to a dynamic, often theoretical and hard to articulate process. Originality/value This study presents the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master’s program. It prototypes the use of a TTL in the ESD context and assesses the outcomes of a sustainability leadership program using empirical data. This combination provides practical insights to a dynamic, often theoretical and hard to articulate process.

Nurturing Sustainability Changemakers through Transformative Learning Using Design Thinking: Evidence from an Exploratory Qualitative Study

“…DT helps teams solve problems by nurturing social learning [45] through developing shared understandings of problems [49] and emotional intelligence [40]. Social learning is considered to result from and is a precursor to TL [50]. Learners working together develop shared understandings of sustainability, helping to address its contested nature Field (Wright and Wrigley, 2019) [51] and supporting the transition process [52].…”

“…Bryant et al [50] reminds us, "The agency, empowerment and confidence to tackle sustainability challenges is one of the key capacities needed in the world." Creative confidence is recognised as an outcome of the DT process [40,46,58].…”

“…"This course has also led to a renewed thirst for learning in this space of innovation and sustainability, and helping me and others play some part in making the world a better for us all, and our future generations-even if it is only one grain of sand at a time, and fuelled a belief in the power of making real change in this world and for our collective futures on this planet." (Student 3) With this mindset, the students acknowledge the interdependence of environmental and social systems but are focused on supporting people [50]. They develop broader goals of making the world a better place.…”

Local economies and pandemics: Regional perspectives

“…Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their values, beliefs and behaviours and question the current paradigm of unsustainable progress via transformative learning. Transformative learning leads to new insights, new perspectives and changes in attitudes and behaviours that support sustainability (Bryant, Ayers & Missimer 2023).…”