Transformational Learning and Student Life

Abstract

This article develops themes that were outlined in a keynote presentation at the Seeking the Light, Sharing Our Gifts, Returning a New Way symposium for campus ministers at Catholic colleges and universities, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 3-6, 2008. It proposes that collaboration among faculty, campus ministers, and student affairs professionals is essential to address students’ cognitive, psychosocial, and spiritual development. The discussion demonstrates that such collaboration can and should be done within the Catholic mission of the institution. It argues that the traditional Catholic concept of “formation” is at the heart of the transformational learning called for by recent student affairs literature. Traditional formation requires a holistic approach, as do modern theories of learning and development. This article is grounded in classic and emerging student development literature and provides concrete examples.