Comparing Learning Styles of Western and Eastern Students in Postgraduate Design Management Programmes

Abstract

As design management programmes in the UK have become multicultural and multinational, there is a need to make sure that teaching and learning strategies are relevant and effective for all groups of students. In the present study, Western and Eastern students' preferences for particular learning styles were compared to find out whether there were any differences. Three sets of questionnaires were distributed to three groups: current students, recent graduates and lecturers/programme directors. Teaching multicultural and multinational groups of students was considered challenging by most staff. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in terms of learning style. Interestingly, the majority of design management students (both Western and Eastern) adopt the converging approach (learning by doing and thinking), as most of them are interested in the application of theories and in practical coursework. There were minor differences in their preferences for teaching and learning activities. While some tasks (e.g. expert interviews) came naturally to Westerners, Easterners needed more time to become familiar with them, and vice versa.