The essential transformation: How Masters students make sense and learn through transformative change. Issue 2 (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conklin, James; Kyle, Terry; Robertson, Colin
• Is Part Of: Management learning. Volume 44:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: Constructivist -- experiential learning -- narrative -- transformative learning; Industrial management -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Executives -- Training of -- Periodicals; Organizational learning -- Periodicals; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; 302.35
• DOI: 10.1177/1350507612439279
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-7307

Abstract

This article considers how the Human Systems Intervention Masters program at Concordia University in Montreal encourages and manages a transformation in the way students think about and act in the social world. The article explains the transformation in terms of a shift from a positivist/rational to a constructivist/narrative view of social phenomena, and how specific elements of the curriculum provoke the shift toward a more reflexive and participative way of working. The article also discusses the disconfirmation and uncertainty that can accompany the transformation, describes the structures and processes used to construct a container that provides psychological safety and emotional support for students, and considers ways in which the program might be improved.