Cultures and Self-Directed Learning

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Author(s): Viktor Wang (Florida Atlantic University, USA)and Patricia Cranton (University of New Brunswick, Canada)
Copyright: 2014
Pages: 10
Source title: Handbook of Research on Education and Technology in a Changing Society
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Viktor Wang (Florida Atlantic University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-6046-5.ch076

Keywords: Education / Educational Technologies / Information Science Reference

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Abstract

Although self-directed learning as a theory has been popularized in Western cultures, especially North America, it is in Confucius-Heritage Societies (CHS) that it has been well implemented. Western scholars who are exploring learning modes in different cultures have become interested in how the Chinese self-practice or self-learning has contributed more to high cognitive skills or higher test scores than other factors such as teaching to tests or teacher-centered instruction as heavily emphasized by educators and parents in CHS countries. Rather than teaching our scholars/readers Chinese characters such as Zi Xi, ??, these two characters imply a Western learning mode that leads to good learning if used positively and effectively in any culture. As globalization brings different cultures together, there is a great deal that we can learn from other cultures. We should guard against “ethnocentrism” if we are to promote good learning in our schools. This is explored in this chapter.

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Cultures and Self-Directed Learning

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