Transformational learning model

At the Shalom Center, the programs will focus on education and the holistic development of people.  The central axis of the organizational and programmatic strategy will be Transformational Learning, which, according to our Theoretical Framework is the conjunction of the methodology, relationships, and the time needed to achieve the desired changes.

A. Three learning processes

Transformational Learning is made up of three learning processes as described by Merardo Arriola  Socol in his book  Buscando la vida (Searching for Life).  These are:

A.  Experiential learning:  “A process whose departure point is the rich and complex experiences of people, where the individual seeks, through action - reflection, the full development of his or her physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual potential.   Hence, experiential learning allows us to see learning as a process in which 1) the departure point is a person's experience and 2) the arrival point is the integration and the learning achieved from the experience. (Arriola Socol 15)."

B. Significant learning:  “Is a process whose departure point is a significant and marking experience where the learner seeks personal transformation. The meaning of this transformation invades the person completely and incites him or her to search for other significant learning.  Significant learning makes us aware of the fact that 1) the departure point of the learning is a significant and marking experience, and 2) the integration and learning achieved are significant, marking, and durable. (Arriola Socol 15).”

C. Corporal learning: Also known as "total learning”, is that which the departure point is a bodily experience in which each person seeks to develop, in harmony and unity, his or her physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects.  Corporal learning makes us aware of the fact that 1) the departure point for significant experiential learning is corporal where our whole self is committed; 2) the integration and the learning are eminently corporal. (Arriola Socol 15).”

“In synthesis, we can say that experiential learning is always a significant and corporal learning.  As in all learning, it has a common objective: personal transformation in all of its dimensions (Arriola Socol 15).”