Do individuals from different cultures learn in significantly different

ways?

Three women and a man….Vicky Cardullo, Said Jardaneh , Christina Ladas,  Melinda Martin 

Introduction• What is learning? • How does the process of learning develop? • Are their biological factors that are

universal? • Are memory and learning interconnected? • Are there cultural differences in learning?

Overview• We choose to look at two distinct

dichotomies…• East vs. West • West ~ American Raised, European,

Australia• East~ East Asians, Japanese, Korean,

Chinese ( India ) • Three areas of focus

• Biological and Neurological Considerations• Philosophical Considerations: East vs. West • Cultural Observation of Learning Strategies

Biological and Neurological • Memory and learning are interconnected

• The firing of neurons cause the learning to take place

• Plasticity enables new learning to take place as it adapts to new experiences and interrelates with our environment

• Memory• Implicit and explicit memory • Procedural • Semantic / episodic

• Focus • Long term memory • Short term memory

Interesting Facts• Neuroscientist define learning as two

neurons communicating with each other ( Wolfe in Springer, 1996)

• We have one quadrillion connections • They transfer learning into short term- long

term memory.• Glial cells nurtures cells for the neurons

• Fibers act like glue or ropes to hold onto as they make their way through the brain.

Vygotsky (1978) • Accusation of new knowledge and

behavioral skills derive from interaction and development of cognition. • Our brain changes from experiences

therefore experiences change our brain• Learning is a social activity interacting with

our environment and our experiences ( neurons) have the ability to rewrite or remap ( neuroplasticisty) our learning based on skill building or thinking skills.

Plasticity • The capability for

our brain to change is influenced by environmental conditions

• Enriched environments increase neurons and the number of connections between the neurons

• Culture is one aspect~ it is the learning environment that develops the schema

• Prior knowledge is interconnected to social roles: race, gender, culture and ethnic affiliations

Brain Research

Comparison of American and East Asians brain using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Nisbett (2003)

People process the world differently due to: • culture

• Social structure • Philosophy • Educational systems

East vs. West • What is the focus on learning ? • What is the preferred method of learning? • Teacher centered vs. learner centered

East vs. West

East • Authority- words are

not to be questioned • Book learning • Memorization

• Regular exams used to measure retention of facts

• Conformity • Theoretical

West • Socratic method

• Inquiry based • Class participation • Encouraged to express

opinions and participate in class discussions

• Heuristic ( discovery)• Application

East • Live in 'time'

Value rest and relaxationPassive, accepting ContemplativeAccept what isLive in nature Want to know meaningFreedom of silenceLapse into meditationMarry first, then loveLove is silentFocus on consideration of others' feelingsLearn to do with less material assetsIdeal: love of lifeHonor austerity Wealth or poverty: results of fortuneCherish wisdom of yearsRetire to enjoy the gift of one's family

WestLive in 'space‘Value activityAssertive, confrontingDiligentSeek changeLive with nature

Want to know how it worksFreedom of speechStrive for articulationLove first, then marryLove is vocalFocus on self-assuredness, own needsAttempt to get more of everythingIdeal: being successfulHonor achievementWealth or poverty: results of enterpriseCherish vitality of youthRetire to enjoy the rewards of one's work

Conclusion • Scientific research says YES

• Measurable and observable process• We can define the process of learning

• However Do people from different cultures learn differently? • Instructional design and differences• Effective teaching techniques • Environment • Effective learning will be informed by the

cultural context

Resources• List the resources you used for your

research• http://www.funenclave.com/reality-bites/cu

lture-east-vs-west-13399.html