A phenomenographical study of the Enlighten Foundation Learning Program for faith-based women

The purpose of this study is to investigate and chart the qualitatively different ways Christian faith-based women make meaning of and understand the learning intervention of The Enlighten Foundation's Learning Program. Research supports the use of an interactive, experienced-based learning program as conducive to developmental change for women. However, little research explores the qualitatively different ways women of faith understand and interpret their learning experiences relative to personal growth and development.;The research data consisted of individual interviews of 15 American Christian women whose commonality is that they have all participated in the Learning Program in the last 5 years. Using phenomenography as the methodology, this study allows us to understand that although every woman is experiencing the program at one time, there is variation in the way the women experience the program and there is possible expansion of any number of patterns that personal development may create towards personal growth.;The research results initially showed a linear understanding of the participants' experiences as voiced through the narratives. Through a series of transitional changes participants became aware of themselves and their relationship with God. Often this awareness ignited personal growth development and objectives. However, further reflection of the narratives reveals movement within the linear pattern. The participants made individual patterns of movement that show a variation in experiential understandings relative to personal or situational factors. Within her particular pattern, the participant chooses meaningful values that help with her personal growth objective.;The results of this study signal that women of faith must be given scholarly focus as an entity of concerted women seeking learning opportunities meaningful to them in their quest for personal edification and the improvement of the world both domestically and globally.;The intention of this study is to provide the background and awareness necessary to propel the scholarly community employed in the area of developmental theory to seek expansion in the current learning environment for women in general and the faith-based woman in particular.