This blog is not meant to favor one learning style over the other but is written to illustrate the differences in learning styles and culture between the West and the East.
Limitation from Religious Beliefs
In the western world, the education seems to be more liberal. This freedom allows students to study and explore subjects without barriers such as religion and culture. For example, many students from Asian countries choose to continue their master’s and PhD in Buddhist Studies in European countries. The reason is that the student can explore the different subjects with more freedom to pursue the idea or thoughts and are able to look at those subjects from an academic approach without restrictions and follow them where ever they lead. This allows the students to be able to look inward into the religious beliefs without the limitation of faith. On the other hand, studying about Buddhism in a Buddhist country can get restricted in certain areas of the subject due to the sensitivity and faith of the religious community.
Authority and the Relationship Between Teacher and Student
In a classroom, typically the teachers have more authority in Asian countries than that of Western countries. Students are taught to respect their elders, and this includes the teachers. Students are not allowed to ask questions (when it is not permitted), not allowed to talk back to the teacher, and not allowed to question the material that is being taught, for this is seen as disrespectful. Students are simply the recipients of the knowledge that is being conveyed by the teachers. The relationship is between a professional teacher and a professional student. One is there to teach, and one is there to learn. On the contrary, western teachers, of course have authority over the classrooms, but nothing like the Eastern teachers. The students are still taught to be respectful, however the environment is more relaxing than the schools in the Eastern countries. The students contribute to the whole learning process of the class. The relationship between the students and teachers are more meaningful and personal.
Learning Styles
As stated in the previous paragraph, in the Eastern countries the teacher is there to deliver the lessons and students are merely the recipients. The students tend to not participate in the lessons and simply sit there and copy from what is on the board or what is being said by the teacher. This method, in a way, trains the students to have discipline in one self, however it does not produce critical thinking in the students. While in western schools, interactions between the teacher and students such as asking questions, challenging the subjects, and discussions are encouraged, for this helps the students’ learning process. The teachers strive for a true understanding of the materials for the students. A meaningful lesson is the Western ideal of learning.