Ground, Warmth, and Light: Facilitating Conditions for Reflection and Transformative Dialogue

Abstract

In this paper we look into the conditions in which dialogue could be utilized to facilitate transformative learning and reflection. We explore the notion of a safe and accepting learning environment from the relational and phenomenological viewpoint, and analyze what it actually means and how it may be developed. We understand facilitating conditions as an inseparable aspect of the learning process similarly to the way a greenhouse supplies right conditions to facilitate the growth of the plant. Similarly as the ground, warmth and light play their essential roles in the growing of the plant, in our paper we offer conceptual tools to understand the dynamics of safe and accepting learning environment in facilitating the processes of reflection and transformative learning.