Forming the Formators: A Review of the Literature on Adult Formation for Whole Child Education

Abstract

Inspired by Boston College’s Roche Center for Catholic Education research on adult formation for whole-child education and an October 2025 convening of worldwide Catholic educators on the topic, the literature review seeks to address the dearth of research in the “forming the formators” space. Gathering insights from prevailing scholarship in the fields of formative education, whole teacher education, and adult learning, seven emergent research themes are explored, including analysis of the interior and exterior dimensions of the development of formators. As well, the relevance of research and its particular application within the Catholic education arena is considered in the literature review. In line with the recent development of research associated with formative education, various questions and considerations for future exploration are identified. In particular, further investigation and synthesis of the development formation-related resources within the context of Catholic education represents an area of ongoing research development.