Examining Reflective Practice as a Cultural Phenomenon: A Case Study of Chinese Leaders’ Reflections During Crises

Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory highlights critical reflection and rational discourse as essential for adult learning. This study examines the culturally shaped reflective practices of 15 Chinese tutoring industry leaders as they navigated the dual crises of COVID-19 and the national ban on after-school subject tutoring. Using a multiple-case study approach, the research identified two culturally grounded strategies that supported leaders’ reflective processes: (1) the use of metaphors and analogies and (2) the integration of historical and philosophical wisdom. Leaders employed metaphors to reinterpret challenges creatively and drew on Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist teachings, and ancient war strategies to make sense of uncertainty. Through these culturally informed reflections, they modified or expanded their frames of reference, fostering resilience in times of crisis. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural influences in transformative learning and advocate for incorporating cultural products to support meaningful reflection in non-Western contexts.