The role of learning approaches in explaining the distinct learning behaviors presented by American and Chinese undergraduates in the classroom

The distinct learning behaviors observed in the classroom between American and Chinese students have been discussed extensively in literature. The authors speculated that learning approaches (structure-oriented approach vs. depth-oriented approach) might play a role in explaining different behavioral traits presented by American and Chinese students. Two measures assessing learning approaches and learning behaviors in the classroom were administered to two samples: American undergraduates (n = 199) and Chinese undergraduates (n = 265). The results revealed that American undergraduates appeared to be more “active” in the classroom compared to Chinese undergraduates. Chinese undergraduates scored significantly higher on the structure-oriented approach, but did not differ significantly in the depth-oriented approach compared to American undergraduates. The results also indicated that the structure-oriented approach mediated the relationship between cultural group and learning behavior, and thus suggest that the structure-oriented learning approach might partially explain the distinct behavioral traits presented by American and Chinese students in the classroom.

► Chinese students appeared to be less active in class compared to American students. ► Chinese students tend to assume a structure-oriented approach to learning. ► Chinese and American students did not differ in the depth-oriented approach. ► Leaning approach significantly predicts learning behaviors in the classroom. ► Learning approach partially explains behavioral differences between cultural groups.