The Transformative Learning Experiences of Learners of English as a Foreign Language at a University Preparatory Programme

This study describes the transformative learning experiences of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in the School of Languages, Sabanci University, Turkey.A total of 32 learners were involved with a mean age of 19.The data were collected using an adapted version of the Learning Activities Survey (King, 2005).The results revealed that 25% of the population completed the cycle of transformation stages.It was noticed that the number of learners moving up the10 stages decreased as the stages progressed.However, certain patterns of transformative learning experience were identified.The respondents were found to face various disorienting dilemmas causing their awareness to be raised in terms of language learning, cultural knowledge and the help they could access.It is maintained that language schools play a key role in helping first year university students assume academic skills, which can potentially encourage them to undergo transformative experiences.