| The purpose of this study was to construct a model which delineated the links between transpersonal psychology and lifelong learning. This study provides a synthesis of literature pertaining to: historical and evolutionary paradigms which are derived from and influence the world views of members of society; the historical, philosophical, and psychological aspects of the movements of Lifelong Learning and Transpersonal Psychology; and aspects of adult learning and adult development which suggest links between lifelong learning and transpersonal psychology. The methodology of this study was a model-building process which combined tacit knowledge, reflection, and intuition with a rational analysis and synthesis of selected literature in Lifelong Learning and Transpersonal Psychology.;The result of this study was the construction of a model of Development and Learning for Transformation. The model consists of seven interactive components which represent the links between lifelong learning and transpersonal psychology. The seven components are: changing paradigms (from materialistic to spiritualistic), transpersonal psychology (major tenants), lifelong learning (major tenants), common goals of transpersonal psychology and lifelong learning, levels of development (interaction of states of consciousness with needs of self), different ways of learning and knowing, modes of learning (interaction of levels of development with spheres of learning), and the transformations which result from the highest levels of development and learning. It is anticipated that the model will assist adult educators in: recognizing transpersonal elements within adult education and lifelong learning, identifying and classifying changes in self and in adult learners, interpreting New Age resources available to adults, resolving dilemmas of educational philosophy, and recognizing developmental needs of learners and evolutionary goals of society. In addition, it is anticipated that the model may provide an organizational structure for research in adult education and a structure for viewing commonalities of lifelong learning and transpersonal psychology. |
