African American Culture Learning Styles Stephenie Loney 11

1. African American Culture& Learning StylesStephenie Loney11/02/2007

2. Introduction The purpose of this research is to inform and educate teachers, students, parents, and professionals about the inherent differences in culture and learning styles there are between African American students. To create a deeper understanding and awareness that includes a deeper appreciation of the impact African American culture has on behavior, learning styles, and preferred teaching styles.

3. Overview Definitions of Learning Styles & Culture Identify Different Learning Styles Study/Differences Between African American & Caucasian Students on Critical Thinking and Learning Style Different Learning Styles of African American Children Avoid Bias How to Improve Programs and Break Down Cultural Barriers

4. Define Learning Style Polce (1987) defines learning style �as a way of perceiving, conceptualizing, and problem solving; a preferred way of interacting with and responding to the environment� (as cited in Willis 1992, p. 271).

5. Define Culture Geertz defines culture as �an historically transmitted pattern of meanings employed in symbols, a system inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic form by means of which men communicate, perpetuate and develop their knowledge about attitudes towards life.� (Comprehensive Multicultural Education, p.43)

6. Dimensions of Traditional Black Culture Spirituality Harmony Movement Verve Affect Communalism Expressive Individualism Orality Social Time Perspective

7. Three Basic Learning Styles Visual Learners Auditory Learners Kinesthetic Learners

8. Elements of Learning Styles According to GSU Master Teaching Program (MBTI) Extroversion vs. Introversion Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) Judging (J) vs. Perceptive (P)

9. Differences Between African American and Caucasian Students on Critical Thinking and Learning Style Study of African and Caucasian students on critical thinking and learning style. 52 Caucasian & 51 African American students responded to Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and the Inventory of Learning Processes (a learning style inventory). Analyses showed Caucasian students had significantly higher mean scores in critical thinking than African American students in four subtest scores: Deductions Interpretations Evaluations & Arguments Total Critical Thinking

10. Critical Thinking Defined Includes:appraising, reasoning, & judging problems of everyday life Research studies show that critical thinking skills can be taught (Gadzella, Hartsoe, & Harper, 1989; Mckeachie, Pintrich, & Lin, 1985) Critical thinking skills and some learning strategies are predictors of academic success Results of the Critical Thinking Inventory Lower scores reported by African American students compared to Caucasian students Difficulty in Reading, Comprehension, and Problem solving No significant difference on how each group processed the information studied, retained facts & details Goal: develop effective learning strategies for everyone

11. Learning Styles of African-American Children The Overriding theme of the African worldview is harmony with nature (Kambon, 1996). Thinking, Feeling, and behaving are interdependent phenomena (Boykin, 1983; Noble, 1983; as cited in Willis 1992). The 9 dimensions of Black culture are relevant to African American Learning Styles Movement & kinesthetic abilities developed Value imagination & humor Express feelings and language traditions People oriented Resourceful View the whole, not separate pieces Use inferences Alert, curious, & good retention

12. Creating Learning Environments for African-American Students Learning in Cooperative Groups (Slavin, 1977) No Reward System, intrinsic value only (Ladson-Billings, 1992) Supplementary after-school and weekend opportunities Black History Month to promote academic success and role models Parental involvement and knowledgeable about children and their learning

13. Avoiding Bias:Teachers must avoid bias & understand cultural backgrounds of each student Demand equal levels of excellence Capacity is different than what their cultural mainstream Students are results of culture Expand appreciation Recognize & understand cultural differences & treat differences with respect Intervene immediately Value different experiences

14. Breaking Down Cultural Barriers Goal: To learn about cultural differences in customs and beliefs to foster an atmosphere of trust, cross-cultural communication, and competence. To create insights, not stereotypes To create cultural competence

15. Conclusion/Summary Teachers, students, parents, and educators must become keenly aware of African American culture; learning the impact of culture on behavior, learning styles, and preferred teaching styles. The foundation teachers must appreciate is that there is a distinct effect culture has on learning style and as educators and parents we can facilitate the learning process by knowing the differences from culture to culture; thus directly affecting the leaning styles and breaking down racial walls and teaching critical thinking skills.

16. Websites HighBeam Encyclopedia, http://encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-62839470.html The website contains a vast amount of information relating to news articles, student journals, and academic journals. The website is a productive resource for parents, teachers, and professionals.

17. Websites West Virginia University, http://www.as.wvu.edu/~equity/african.html The website includes avoiding bias, classroom strategies, discussion and interactions, activities, methods and materials, home and family, stereotypes, and references. The website provides a vast resource for parents, teachers, and professionals.

18. Websites Learning Point Associates, http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/math/ma8african.htm The website is a valuable tool and resource that references after school programs, school improvement, literacy, math & science, teacher quality, technology, & NCREL data. The website is primarily directed at teachers and professionals.

19. Websites Instructional Technology Center: College of Education-Georgia State University http://www.2gsu.edu/~dschjb/wwwmbti.html The website provides a vast amount of resources for parents, educators, students, and professionals.

20. Print Resources Differences Between African American and Caucasian Students on Critical Thinking and Learning Style, Gadzella, Bernadette M., Huang, Jiafen, Masten, William G. Study of African American and Caucasian students determining critical thinking can be defined. The resource is beneficial to teachers and professionals in education. Learning Styles of African-American Children, Carrie L. Francis. The learning style differences stems from the way African-Americans learn and express information. The document is useful for students, parents, teachers, and professionals.