Learners and Learning in Sinic Societies

In this chapter we begin with historical and cultural contexts of learners and learning in six countries/regions (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam) with shared or related Sinic civilization or the Confucian Heritage Culture. We explore the concept of learners and learning by looking into its controversies, contradictions, and complexities within particular historical and cultural contexts. We particularly focus on the impact of historical changes (e.g., feudalism, colonialism, capitalism, globalization, etc.), convergence and divergence of philosophies (e.g., Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Legalism, etc.), and educational policies on learners and learning. We discuss the current situations of learners and learning such as demographics of learners, learning subject matter, learning experience, learning styles, and learning environments. Challenges and future directions for teachers, educators, parents, community workers, administrators, and policy makers are also discussed.