Cultures and Self-Directed Learning

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.