A theoretical perspective of learning in the Pacific context: A sociocultural perspective

This theoretical article discusses the importance of learning approaches in sociocultural contexts. Our discussion synthesizes previous empirical research studies, taking into consideration the importance of individuals' cultural background and environmental settings. Research studies by Marton and Saljo (1976) and others (Biggs, 1987; Watkins and Regmi, 1990) have provided a strong theoretical foundation concerning the approaches to learning that individuals adopt in their learning. More recently, a number of theorists have attempted to situate students' approaches to learning in contexts (Mugler & Landbeck, 1997). This argument arises from the understanding that approaches to learning are embedded and, more importantly, they relate to personal epistemology. In our discussion, we use the Pacific as an example to explain how the sociocultural milieu and individuals' historical backgrounds shape and influence their learning approaches.