Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2021
Publication Source
Adult Learning
Abstract
Teaching and learning are social and cultural activities. Across cultures people have different ways of communicating, interacting, and learning. Consequently, learning may not occur without understanding the role national cultures play on organizing and facilitating training events. This study is part of a larger study that took place over a period of six years, from 2013 to 2019, in West Africa. Using Hofstede et al., (2010) Six Cultural Dimensions model as a conceptual framework, this paper sought to examine the extent to which factors of national culture influences the facilitation of professional learning among school principals in two West African countries. Findings indicated that facilitators adapted to national culture in the dimensions of Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, and Long-Term Orientation. This study is significant because teaching does not always equate to learning, and understanding the role of cultural factors can improve learning transfer. If facilitators and practitioners understood how national cultures influence teaching, they would adapt and adjust their practices to the national cultures they serve in order to improve learning outcomes. Based on the study findings, this paper offers recommendations for those practitioners who work with adults in international contexts and/or who attend to learners from various cultural backgrounds.
ISBN/ISSN
Print: 1045-1595 Electronic: 2162-4070
Document Version
Postprint
Publisher
Sage Publications
Peer Reviewed
yes
Keywords
National culture, culture, training, learning, professional development, adult education
eCommons Citation
Brion, Corinne, "The Centrality of Cultural Considerations in Facilitating Training for Adults" (2021). Educational Leadership Faculty Publications. 265.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/eda_fac_pub/265
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons
Comments
The document available for download is the author's accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Permission documentation is on file.