Date
12-4-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Traci Ramey Eshelman
Keywords
transformative learning, trauma-affected adolescents, digital learning tools, adolescent education, Mezirow's theory of transformative learning, digital transformation
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Chen, Anita Sarah, "A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study: How Students Affected by Trauma Experience Transformative Learning Through Digital Tools" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7695.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7695
Abstract
The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of adolescent students affected by trauma embarking on the transformative learning process as facilitated by digital learning tools. The theory used to guide the study will be the transformative learning theory by Jack Mezirow. The central research question is: How do students affected by trauma experience transformative learning through digital learning tools? Examining students affected by trauma undergoing the transformative learning process facilitated by digital learning tools will be explored using a hermeneutical qualitative design. Ten participants w selected through purposive sampling based on their experiences in a digitally-supported transformative learning program located in California. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted via video conferencing, and journal prompts were provided through online form submission. Individuals participating in the study were adult alumni of the program. The data were analyzed following van Manen's recommendations (1990), including thematic analysis, written reflection, and holistic reading to extract the essence of the participants' lived experiences of the phenomena of transformative learning as facilitated by digital learning tools. The study demonstrates that while technology may be used as a platform for novel interactions, transformative learning stems from positive and encouraging human relationships between students, peers, and mentors.
