There is a need to make clear the explicit tensions between pedagogical models and institutional culture. The University had a model based on eleven principles which were:

• Outcomes based
• Blended delivery
• Team based
• Experiential and authentic
• Learning communities
• Integrative
• Applied
• Engaged learning
• Action research
• Supportive
• Flexible

A literature review had been undertaken that explored transformative learning and this led to findings that explored disorientating dilemmas, threatening and challenging opportunities for reflection, deliberate choice, questioning choice, releasing old ways of knowing and new levels of consciousness or insight. There were also feelings of excitement, satisfaction and freedom as well as sadness.

The team undertook some action research to explore if these principles did lead to transformative learning. The study involved a survey of students in their second year and they gained a 50% response. They wanted to know what students saw as different then used the themes from the literature to code the data.

In relation to disorientating dilemmas students learned about their self, peers and cohort learning. The students had to learn and were not just fed stuff. In relation to reflecting students said this tested their ability to work with others and they had to get used to sensitive comments and critiques from their peers. This did however provide opportunities for more insights and deeper learning and a new awareness. This led to a questioning of assumptions and a need to take more responsibility for their learning.

The team felt that they had to reflect on this and the fact that they needed to make these principles clearer to students and how this impacted on learning and teaching.