Differences between European and Latin American consciousness in the learning process

Abstract

To achieve effective results in the learning process as a conscious type of activity, it is important to understand preconditions that determine basic components contributing to manifestation of subject’s mechanisms of perception of the surrounding reality, as well as features of thinking while implementing certain objectives. In this regard, it is of particular interest to research human consciousness in the process of its formation and functioning within the conditions of different cultural paradigms. The purpose is to identify mentally determined patterns of forming differences between national consciousness of the Europeans and the Latin Americans along with the factors predetermining individual’s mental and behavioral reactions. The authors also aim to determine the correlation between ethnical and sociocultural traditions and mechanisms of a subject’s manifestation of consciousness in the learning process. The analysis is based on the conceptual achievements in psychology, sociology, and education. The category of consciousness is considered from the point of view of the historically established mental differences between the European and the Latin American national consciousness on the basis of conceptual studies and taking into account sociocultural indicators. The research methods used include analysis and synthesis, classification and the comparative typological method. As a result, the obvious impact of the mental component upon formation and realization of Spanish native speakers’ consciousness within the conditions of European and Latin American paradigms was revealed. Particularly, the research has identified differences in parenting and education processes in the given cultures that have an impact on individual’s development and personality as a whole, as well as the factors determining subjects’ motivation when solving problems and achieving goals in the educational process.