Mapping Transformational Change

Abstract

This is a research project being undertaken to articulate change as a result of learning. Measuring change and impact from learning programmes has long been sought-after, yet appears to be given only anecdotal attention by organisations seeking transformational change. This research is an attempt to develop tools which can map change and hence begin to articulate the impact. The authors are all based at Capable NZ, a part of Otago Polytechnic which uses learner reflection on experience as the primary new evidence for qualifications. The authors are engaging with a range of other organisations who have a desire to document and evidence transformational change as a result of their programmes.The research is building from the previous work of Ker (2017) which was not published with regards to specific transformational change, but rather the focus was on what changed for the learner. The research seeks to develop a method for articulating change which can be used across many learning programmes and is currently being presented in the form of a map, framework or change canvas. An online survey has been completed, along with focus groups to garner learner experience.A key theme emerging from the survey and from focus groups is that learners are finding it challenging to put into words the significance of their experiences where the learning is transformational. Asking learners for a single expression to describe their change appears to be a useful prompt. One learner expressed their change as "from zero to hero", another "from rugby mauls to boardroom brawls". Tying the patterns of change into existing models is being explored. This includes creating a Change Canvas -a one-pager to capture key metrics from the experience. Examples of this follow to show how the template is changing and learners are choosing to engage with it as a tool to give emphasis to their explaining what happened and why.The draft templates will be piloted with future focus groups and fully developed by a graphic designer for the SCOPE Capable NZ 2020 publication.