A best practices model: A study of Asian learning styles

This study suggests that culture is significant to learning, and therefore, practitioners in the field of distributed learning should be aware of the opportunities and challenges this creates for both the instructor and learner. Through synthesis of current academic literature on this topic and feedback from distance educators who have instructed Asian learners in a distributed learning environment, I have designed a “best practices model.” The model does not suggest a specific approach, but rather, it is a practical set of recommendations that honour both Asian and Western learning styles and support cultural inclusiveness.; The fundamental question this paper answers is “How can distributed learning practitioners enrich the learning experience for Asian learners, given the differences in learning styles and perceptions of teaching and learning?” I undertook investigation and analysis of responses of the following sub-questions: (1) What are core learning styles used by Asian learners? (2) How are these specific learning styles culturally significant? (3) In a distributed learning environment that uses Western models of teaching and learning, what are the identifiable incompatibilities and challenges for Asian learners? (4) Can distance educators enrich the learning experience for Asian learners by using a “best practices model” as guidance? (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...