APPLYING A SYSTEMS AND COMPLEXITY FRAMEWORK TO TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING

Authors

  • Marty Jacobs Saybrook University

Keywords:

transformative learning, complexity theory, chaos theory, disorienting dilemma, critical reflection, dialogue, meaning making at the edge of chaos

Abstract

Our ability to adapt to the relentless change of modern society and to transform how we see the world are essential to our survival in these complex times. However, we are rapidly losing that race as increasing complexity overtakes our ability to build our adaptive and transformative capacity. Transformative learning and systems literacy are essential components to turning that tide. This paper gives an overview of transformative learning theory and applies a systems and complexity framework to that process to create a foundation for transformative change. It covers the concepts of the disorienting dilemma, critical reflection, dialogue, and meaning making at the edge of chaos.

Author Biography

Marty Jacobs, Saybrook University

Marty Jacobs is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Systems at Saybrook University in Pasadena, CA. Her research interests are in dialogue, meaning making, and transformative and organizational learning in multi-sector transformational change, as well as complex adaptive systems and systems sciences. She recently published five academic articles in the Proceedings of the 60th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2016 Boulder, CO, USA, Proceedings of the 62th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2018 Corvallis, OR, USA, Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2019 Corvallis, OR, USA, and the 2017 Winter edition of the OD Practitioner. Her article, “Applying a Systems and Complexity Framework to Transformative Learning,” won ISSS’s Margaret Mead Memorial award for best student paper. In addition to her doctoral work, she has been teaching and consulting for over twenty years, applying a systems thinking approach to organizations. Marty has served on a variety of nonprofit, professional, and school boards over the past twenty years and has also written for The Systems Thinker, Vermont Business Magazine, American School Board Journal, Leverage Points Blog, Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, and Confident Voices for Nurses on topics related to organizational learning, leadership, systems thinking, workplace culture, board governance, and community engagement.


Published

2020-04-08

How to Cite

Jacobs, M. (2020). APPLYING A SYSTEMS AND COMPLEXITY FRAMEWORK TO TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING. Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2019 Corvallis, OR, USA, 63(1). Retrieved from https://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings63rd/article/view/3644

Issue

63rd Annual Proceedings of the ISSS Meeting, Corvallis, OR, USA. June 27 - July 2nd, 2019

Section

Organisational Transformation and Social Change