Styles of learning and learning of styles: Educational conflicts for American Indian/Alaskan Native youth

Abstract

This article presents a review of the literature about American Indian/Alaskan Native learning styles and related teaching styles. The topic of learning styles has recently emerged as a consideration for understanding the problems American Indian/Alaskan Native students are experiencing as they enter and leave formal educational programmes. The premise upon which the learning styles explanation is based suggests that culture plays an important part in determining how students have learned to learn at home. When that style is not congruent with the school learning style, the student is expected to change her/his style to fit that of the school.