There are different styles of learning in Eastern and Western cultures, often very distinct approaches towards learning and education.

Though Eastern and Western countries have contrasting educational systems, it’s not to say one is superior over the other. There is much to be reflected on within both systems, in turn understanding the cultures, beliefs and philosophies that underpin approaches in classrooms and universities.

I went to school in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, and my learning experience in South-East Asia was vastly different compared to Down Under. My classmates, teachers and face-to-face learning in these countries were like chalk and cheese. More recently, this year I am doing an online writing course which is a whole other learning experience altogether.

Learning can be defined as ‘the activity or process of gaining knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something.’ You learn the basics of language, numbers and science at school. You gain more specialised knowledge at university. Then there is learning outside of the classroom through socialising, traveling, life lessons and experiences.

Different people and cultures learn differently, and so naturally there are different approaches to learning as a student in particularly within formal educational settings. Here are some differences between Eastern and Western learning styles (with a focus on South-East Asia vs Australia in this piece) in the context of schools and universities.

1. Learning is a ‘struggle’

Eastern and Western cultures define ‘struggle’ differently when it comes to learning. In Eastern cultures, there is the emphasis that learning and studying is a serious activity. When you struggle throughout a subject or course, then it is considered that you are actually learning. Confucianism is rooted in many Eastern societies and the virtues of moral righteousness, filial piety and loyalty highly influence their education systems.

Dr Jin Li compares learning concepts in her book Cultural Foundations of Learning: East and West and suggests many Chinese students follow Confucian learning traditions, seeing learning as a means to bring honour to one’s self, family and society. According to Li, for Chinese cultures learning is a life purpose and the purpose of learning is to ‘self-perfect and contribute to others at the same time’ whereas for many Westerners ‘curiosity about the external world is the inspiration for knowledge.’

During secondary school in Singapore, my classmates and I often struggled to get every question in our maths and science classes right. We frantically put our heads together and scribbled steps on paper trying to derive some progress as the teacher waited for the right answers. Shameful not to get the answer right but much pride in intellectual struggle towards eventually get the answer, showcasing a reflection of strength and what your Asian upbringing instilled in you.

When I moved to Australia, secondary school here had a more relaxed approached to learning. If you couldn’t derive the correct answer in class or on a test, it was often seen that you simply weren’t good in that area or an area not of your interest.

2. Creativity vs. science

Some subjects and courses are chosen more over others among different cultures. In Eastern cultures, study choices are often characterised by what’s logical and rational within the learning process and their practical application in life. Studying medicine, accounting and law are often the choices that measure up to parental expectations and peers, the more common pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

In Western cultures, choosing what to study involves more of, ‘What are you interested in? What do you enjoy doing?’ It’s no surprise that there is a wider variety of arts and humanities studies in the Western world.

Creativity is generally a stronger trait among Westerners. When it comes to the more imaginary and visionary interests, expressing creativity and critical thinking is usually harder for those from Eastern cultures.

When I was doing graduate studies in psychology in Australia, one of the assignments involved reflective writing about personal growth. As the tutor explained the assignment, an international student from Vietnam asked, ‘Is there a sample essay we can refer to? To get a better idea?’ To which the Caucasian tutor very bluntly stated matter-of-factly, ‘No. There isn’t. We don’t offer sample essays or templates as we don’t want to stifle creativity.’

3. Learning habits

Where passive learning is common in Eastern cultures, active learning is encouraged in the West. In collective-oriented Eastern societies, it is respectful to show obedience to seniority: teachers are esteemed with the authority to impart knowledge and listening to the teacher is often the silent rule. Western communities are generally more individualistic driven, more direct about speaking up and so sharing ideas in the classroom is normal.

Rote learning goes hand-in-and with passive learning among South-East Asian students. Repetition and memorisation are often the techniques adopted to get the answers right in class. While this may encourage perseverance to work towards solutions, there tends to be a lack of meaningful learning which entails making connections and understanding how concepts are weaved together.

My mum championed rote learning, insistent that I practised mathematics questions in the revision books until I got each one right. She often went, ‘This is wrong! And this is wrong again! And here is wrong too! Practise again and show me the correct answer!’ And so the writing out of the formulas began again.

4. After-school activities

Keeping up academic productivity is the norm when you’re growing up Asian compared to the typical laid-back Aussie way of life. Attending tuition lessons outside of classes is common in Asian countries. The saying ‘burning the midnight oil’ is used here to refer to staying up late studying, getting all homework, worksheets, exercises and practice tests done.

Learning piano is also highly encouraged as an extra-curricular activity in traditional-minded Asian households: a symbol of prestige, opportunity and something to put on the university application. Or helping out at your parents’ business (e.g. restaurant) after classes.

In contrast with many Caucasians in Australia, juggling a job while you are still at school or university is common. Some do so to get work experience, and others do so to be individually self-reliant and pay student bills (whereas there are well-to-do Asian parents who provide the financial assistance including the tuition fees until you’ve finished university).

5. Benchmarking and awards

Being at the top of the class is admired within Asian cultures while in Western cultures, the experience of learning is what matters more. For many with strict Asian upbringing, there is often a lot of pressure sitting exams and passing with distinction. It’s akin to the pathway of success and a potential of what else you can potentially achieve.

If you do well enough partway through high school and move abroad to a Western country, you could skip a grade in the Western high school system. It’s also not uncommon for parents in South-East Asian countries to send their children to complete undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia, valuing a prestigious Western education that arguably opens more doors.

When you come from a white Australian family, chances are there’s minimal fuss about getting a pass grade across your subjects. There’s more of a focus on the development of soft skills and taking charge of what you actually want to do in life, be it backed by education or other experiences.

My Chinese parents adorn their living room with photos of me in my graduation gown and holding the testamur. Graduating with a degree is something that they are proud of. As dad said, ‘Not everyone has a degree! That’s how you stand out!’

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While learning approaches are shaped by cultural upbringing and beliefs, learning is also very much an individual experience. That is, learning itself is a choice you make – it is up to you if and how you learn. Different people learn differently in varying circumstances, and you may find yourself adopting different learning approaches on different occasions.

When you learn be it at school or later in life, some concepts are harder to grasp while others resonate more with you. Consequently, the path of learning you choose and learning in itself shapes your life, personality and future.

You learn in school to get educated as you grow up and find your place in the world. You learn out of interest to broaden your horizons later in life, from taking short courses to learn skills in public speaking to googling to learn how to cook. You learn to upskill and bridge knowledge gaps. In Eastern cultures when you’re older, ‘not knowing’ is often seen as a weakness and learning may come from a place of lack and shame. With Western cultures, learning to gain knowledge is seen as curious and resourceful.

When I returned to university and studied psychology out of interest, I shared that with friends and colleagues here in Australia. The most common response I got was, ‘That’s interesting! How is it related to your job?’

Hearing that response, it felt like I had to justify that what I was studying was an investment towards a tangible, practical outcome. People tend to relate choosing to study as a means to an end or else it’s a waste of time. But that’s not how I see learning all the time.

Doing the online course in non-fiction writing this year was something I’ve wanted to do for a while. As a seasoned writer, there’s much for me to learn to take my written work to another level, reaching others on a deeper level to build confidence within cultural identities and the in-between.

My approach to this course draws on both Eastern and Western learning styles. Being an online course, it allows the space to comfortably and quietly learn in silence. Plenty of time to go over each section multiple times to logically and imaginatively understand the material. It is a course that works around time for fun and redrafting my book.

This course is also a chance to invest in myself as a writer. To learn that it’s never too old or late to show up and learn to be the writer that I want to be. When you choose to learn and pursue something that you’re passionate about, you stand out by standing up for yourself.

As time goes on, learning revolves more around your life and lifestyle: the time and resources that you have to learn, the study options available to you online or offline, and what you really want to learn. And there is much to be thankful for when you do get the opportunity to learn.

Learning with passion leads to growth in many areas and opportunities to make the most of your potentials. There is always something to learn no matter the learning approach you adopt. As Bruce Lee said:

‘Learning is a constant process of discovery – a process without end.’

Do you like learning? What have you recently learned?