A Case Study of Transformative Learning of Autobiography Class Participants at a Government-sponsored Seniors' Job Program

Abstract

This study is a qualitative case study that explores the context of life and transition learning of elderly learners in the autobiography writing program. The study participants were nine people who participated in the 12-time elderly autobiography writing program held at B Welfare Center in A City from September to November 2022. The researcher collected and analyzed handwritten books and individual interview data of research participants while participating in the autobiography writing program. As a result of the study, it was possible to confirm the case of conversion learning in the process of changing perspectives in the life of the study participants and conducting an autobiography writing program. Participants participated in the autobiography writing program in a non-voluntary situation, but through active communication with other participants, they reflected on their thoughts and lives and listened to other people's lives with an open mind. In this process, changes in perception occurred, finding the meaning of life experiences that have passed and showing an attitude to plan for the future life with a more open and receptive attitude. This study aims to emphasize the significance of the elderly autobiography writing program for low-educated elderly learners and the importance of writing elderly autobiographies in terms of lifelong education.