The cultural values and practices of teachers and students in Western cultures differs quite significantly from other cultures. Consider the following values and practices of teachers and students given in the table below and determine whether they are typical of Western or other cultures.

 

For each value or practice, place an X in the appropriate box in the table to indicate its cultural background.

 

Cultural value / practice / behavior

Western culture other culture

Students analsye and critique information

Teacher is seen as the transmitter of all knowledge for learning

Students usually are quite passive in the learning process

Students are expected to read widely on topics covered in class

Teachers present a single point of view

Teachers are seen as facilitators of information

Students accept responsibility for own learning and demonstrate high levels of self-motivation and autonomy

Students read textbook and teacher's notes only

Teachers encourage students to participate in class, e.g. ask questions, discuss ideas

Students may give an alternative point of view to that expressed by the teacher

Students evaluate, analyse and synthesise ideas

Students rely heavily on rote learning

Students expect to pass tertiary studies because they have paid high fees to study

Students are required to clearly identify and reference ideas they have gained from other sources

Teachers provide students with clear criteria against which their work will be marked