Culturally Based Learning Style Matrix
Societal Patterns |
Field Dependence vs Independence |
Cooperation vs Competition |
Trial & Error vs
Watch then Do |
Ambiguity
Tolerance |
o
Lower Context, Individualistic, Lower Power Distance
Societies o
Dominant American and Western/Northern European Cultures |
o
Field Independent o
Prefer to work alone, task-oriented, individual rewards o
Respect highly organized planning and approaches o
Prefer not to ask for help |
o
Competitive o
Expect to work alone, resent group work, hate being
dependent on the work of others for grades o
Are comfortable with mediated communication o
Evaluate results in comparison with classmates |
o
Trial & Error o
Taught to “think outside the box” and create new solutions o
Encouraged to Speak Up and contribute |
o
Low Tolerance for
Ambiguity o
They like schedules and right or wrong answers o
Value an organized approach |
o Higher Context, Collective, Higher Power Distance Societies o Collective Cultures; Asia, Latin
America, Africa, Pacific Islanders, most
American Co-Cultures |
o Field Dependent o Prefer to work w/others, seek guidance from instructors, favor group
rewards o See learning as something to be approached collectively, not task
driven o Will approach instructors for help |
o Cooperative o Expect to work with others and share in the rewards/consequences o Greatly prefer face-to-face communication o Do not liked to be singled out for praise or criticism |
o Watch then Do o Value tradition and doing it the “right” way (same as everyone else) o Value harmony, humility, and agreement in communication o Value silence over speaking |
o High Tolerance for
Ambiguity o Ambiguity is less likely to create conflict o Are comfortable with “winging it” o Harmony is more important than accuracy or effectiveness |