Resistance to Learning: The Learning Trough
Dr. James Atherton created the Learning Trough Model of student resistance. The essence of his theory is that students experience a temporary resistance to learning as they let go of their current competence to delve into the chaos of integrating new knowledge with their present understanding. Once the new knowledge has been fully integrated, students relax into their newfound competence. This model expands on one of Brookfield's six reasons for resistance - fear of the unknown. Here is a graphic representation of the model:
Here is a link to a quick three-minute read on Atherton's model, How What You Already Know Prevents You From Learning New Things, by Erica Anderson: https://www.fastcompany.com/3056488/how-what-you-already-know-prevents-you-from-learning-new-t
Here is a link to an excellent summary and description of the Learning Trough: http://skills4trainers.blogspot.ca/2013/05/resistance-to-learning-and-learning.html
Here is a link to a paper that Atherton wrote in 1999, looking at resistance of employees in workplace-based training:
Also related to the learning trough, is Howell's (1982) conscious-competence model. I am including this model, as I learned it in my first PID course, and it has stuck with me ever since.
I found this graphic representation of the model, which shows the source of potential resistance at the Conscious Incompetence stage (also lingering at the Conscious Competence stage) and adds reflective practice, called Mindful Competence:
Here is a link to an excellent description of the model: http://changingminds.org/explanations/learning/consciousness_competence.htm