This case study finds two modes in adults transformative learning experience. These modes create different openings for learning and conditions to be facilitated. A group of 23 adultlearners and the environment from a University course on organizational counseling, coaching and leadership provided its research site. Data from subjective, collective and interactive spaces in the course illuminate what conditions facilitate transformative learning processes. Field observations, interviews and documents from all parts of the course were analyzed using the computer software Nvivo. Conditions for transformative processes are found in the learner-experience relationships, the premises of a comfort zone, teacher-student and group constellations and are discussed in relation to considerations for their development. Commonalities are found in how to facilitate two phases of a learning experience in these conditions: Passive modes of learning can be facilitated by helping an individuals or groups extract meaning and express these meanings from his/their experience. Being exposed to the meaning environments of others can also have facilitating effects. Active modes of learning can be facilitated by helping an individual or group keep his/their attention directed towards the processes he/they are involved in. Holding attention directed over time towards the process and seeing the processes through a variety of different lenses and frames of thought helps integrate the learning and sustain its impact.

This dissertation examined the experiences of Black middle school girls who attend predominantly white, elite, independent schools in the Greater Los Angeles area. Using Critical Race Theory, Black Identity Theory, and Black Feminism Theory as a conceptual framework, this qualitative research explored the role of race, class, gender, and parental support as contributing factors to the development of participants’ racial consciousness. Utilizing timeline interviews and critical narratives to explore the lived histories of each student and parent participant, data analysis included content coding based on themes that emerged throughout the narrative examination. An analysis of the narratives of student participants revealed the absence of a Black faculty advocate, the burden of microaggressions, and the tension to define what it meant to be Black as important factors in the development of a racial consciousness. Additional findings based on data from the participants’ mothers revealed their reasons for choosing independent schools for their daughters and an emphasis on nurturing Black identity and friendships to help guide them through critical racial experiences. Findings led to important recommendations to improve the educational experiences of Black girls in predominantly white, elite independent schools. These findings also indicated a need for further study of the experiences of the Black girl middle school experience in predominantly white, elite, independent schools.

Réalisée sous la codirection de l'Université de Montréal (Anthropologie) et de l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (Aménagement du territoire) / Le foisonnement de rapports et de débats entourant le Sommet Climat Paris 2015 illustre bien la complexité des enjeux planétaires actuels. Cette situation soulève avec acuité la question de la capacité de nos leaders à y faire face. Cette recherche a justement pour objet de vérifier si les leaders d’initiative de développement durable qui mettent en œuvre une pensée complexe sont davantage en mesure d’apprécier la multiplicité des dimensions inhérentes à ces démarches. Rappelons que la méthode de la pensée complexe (Morin, 2008) prétend offrir une approche paradigmatique qui facilite l’appréhension juste et sensible de la réalité. Cette étude réalisée au Québec compare vingt-cinq leaders de démarches territoriales de développement durable. Les résultats corroborent l’affirmation de Morin : la pensée complexe constitue un atout pour saisir le réel de façon plus complète. De fait, une forte corrélation ressort entre, d’une part, le degré de maîtrise de la pensée complexe des leaders et, d’autre part, leur capacité à considérer les six dimensions d’une démarche territoriale, intégrée et globale de développement durable. Néanmoins, peu de leaders maîtrisent l’art des stratégies complexes, et les initiatives de développement durable correspondent peu à l’idéal type de ce concept. Ces constats militent en faveur d’études supplémentaires sur la convergence de ces résultats avec de récentes recherches associant l’atteinte de stades de conscience post conventionnels à une meilleure gestion des programmes de développement durable (Boiral et al., 2013). L’évolution des connaissances en cette matière pourra contribuer à enrichir les programmes de développement du leadership de nos futurs leaders. / The proliferation of reports and discussions surrounding the 2015 Paris Climate Summit illustrates the complexity of current global issues. In fact, the environmental challenge we face acutely raises the question of the ability of our leaders to cope with their responsibility. This research aim at evaluating whether the leaders involved in sustainable development initiative who implement Morin’s Complex Thought Method are better able to appreciate the many dimensions inherent in these processes. The Complex Thought Method (Morin, 2008) claims to offer a paradigmatic approach that facilitates fair and sensible apprehension of reality. This study compares twenty-five people located in Quebec who are leaders of sustainable development program based on territorial approaches. The results support Morin’s assertion: Complex Thought is an asset to grasp reality more completely. Indeed, a strong correlation occur between, the degree of control of Complex Thought by leaders and their ability to consider the six dimensions of an integrated comprehensive territorial approach to sustainable development. This being said, few leaders master the art of Complex Thought Strategies and the sustainable development initiatives are generally far from ideal. These findings build on the recent research linking post conventional consciousness level to better sustainable development projects (Boiral and al., 2013). This argues in favor of upgrading leadership development programs to stimulate better Complex Thought and post consciousness stage in benefice of our collective future.