Exploring the Differences of Undergraduate Students' Perceptual Learning Styles in International Business Study

Abstract

More than 45,000 international students are now studying for bachelor programs in The Netherlands. The number of Asian students increased dramatically in the past decade. The current research aims at examining the differences between Western European and Asian students' perceptual learning styles, and exploring the relationships between students' learning styles and their academic achievements in international business (IB) study. One hundred and seventy-two students from a Dutch university participated in the survey research. Western European students significantly outperformed Asian students in academic performances. Significant differences in learning styles were also found between Western Europeans and Asian students in English, second language, business subjects, and group project learning. Besides, in comparison with Asian students, Western European students preferred to learn from hearing words, taking notes of lectures, and getting involved in some classroom experiences such as role-playing. They may benefit more from lecture-based subjects than Asian students. Based on the findings, practical recommendations are offered for instructors in international higher education.

Keywords:

• Perceptual learning styles
• International business education
• Ethnic difference

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are deeply appreciative of the dedicated teaching staff and management team in the International Business School of Hanze University of Applied Sciences. Jane K. Siebeneck, academic advisor, initiated the research and proposed using a methodical technique in solving problems in educational practices. In addition, the management team showed great enthusiasm in applying research to improve education quality at Hanze University of Applied Sciences. With their encouragement and support, we were able to attract a large number of students in data collection.