Slide 1 : Robert Kegan’s
Constructive-Developmental Theory
Orders of Consciousness
Slide 2 : Objectives
Participants will construct definitions of “worldview” and “meaning-making” from the subject-object perspective.
Participants will compare and contrast Kegan’s orders of consciousness.
Participants will discuss possible ways to help others move from one order to the next and support others in overwhelming situations.
Slide 3 : Why is Kegan’s theory different? How is it helpful in education?
It extends Piaget’s theory beyond adolescence
It describes how adults continue to grow
It points to a variety of ways to understand differences in adults
It is not solely based on intelligence
It provides a basis for finding common ground
It describes a specific way of making sense of our environment, including relationships and responsibilities
Slide 4 : Meaning-making: process of understanding the world; level of complexity Subject – we are; structure of knowing; the essence of a thing or person
Object – we have; content of knowing; the part that can be observed or changed Worldview: perspective; way of seeing the world Subject-Object Perspective
Slide 5 : The level of development cannot always be determined from actions, but from the reasons for and thought-process behind those actions.
Slide 6 :
Slide 7 : Compare-Contrast 2nd - Durable Categories 3rd - Cross-Categorical 4th – System/Complex How would these situations be viewed from each Order of Consciousness?
Your child is failing math, reading, etc.
You have been asked to do more than you think you can manage
A close relationship seems to be always conflictual
Slide 8 : Transformational Learning
Slide 9 : Critical questioning to identify underlying assumptions, beliefs, and values Facilitate or engage in dialogue in a safe environment Challenge them to see things from a different perspective Collaborative activities, role-play, simulation, experiential learning Encourage creating life histories, journal writing, and self-reflection Transformational Teaching
Slide 10 : Supporting Others Understand that one Order is not better than another, just more complex. Non-judgmental assistance Advocacy Recognize and don’t overwhelm Guidance through complex systems Fair rules
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Slide 12 : References
Slide 13 :