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If One Goes Up the Other Must Come Down: Examining Gender Differences and Understanding of Models of Learning Style: A Non-Western Perspective

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Abstract

Models of learning style or approaches to learning have been operationalized in the Learning Process Questionnaire (LPQ). Guided by an assumed framework, the authors examine the construct validity of the LPQ in Botswana and investigate the similarities and differences in the process of learning in a non-Western context. Six structural equation modeling are used to test the association between cross-cultural variability and learning. Responses to this instrument are shown to have good internal consistency reliability, and support is provided for its construct validity in terms of its factorial structure. Results further reveal support for dimensions of deep and surface strategies, despite the differences in learning conceptualizations. The strategies utilized by students in the Western educational context are similar to those used by their African counterparts. Taken together, the interaction of gender and culture, makes us propose a relationship between culture, learning and life adaptations, thus extending the concept of learning style to account for the influence of culture. Tentatively, conceptual issues in learning process and suggestions for further research are presented.

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Acknowledgments

We thank distinguished Professors David Watkins, Gregory Boyle, Richard Bagozzi, Thomas Ollendick, Thomas Tang, and Bill Williams for particularly helpful insights regarding various aspects of the research work. Special thanks to students, colleagues and parents who make this study possible. The senior author will like to pay special tribute to Late Dr Alex Brown and the 1993 Psychology Dept and FCHS, UWC, South Africa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IRC, PO Box 2327, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

    Adebowale Akande

  2. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

    Modupe Adewuyi

  3. Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Modupe Adewuyi

  4. Dublin University, Dublin, Ireland

    Titilola Akande

  5. Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden

    Titilola Akande

  6. ECOWAS, Abuja, Nigeria

    Bolanle Adetoun

Authors
  1. Adebowale Akande
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  2. Modupe Adewuyi
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  3. Titilola Akande
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  4. Bolanle Adetoun
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adebowale Akande.

Appendix

Appendix

Table 7 Descriptions of approaches to learning/models of learning styles
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Akande, A., Adewuyi, M., Akande, T. et al. If One Goes Up the Other Must Come Down: Examining Gender Differences and Understanding of Models of Learning Style: A Non-Western Perspective. Soc Indic Res 131, 817–829 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-016-1274-9

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