Introduction
According to the constructivism theory of learning, human beings learn through establishing meaning in their present knowledge structures. According to proponents of this theory, children learn by the process of assimilation and accommodation. Accommodation refers to the process by which failure leads to further learning; where a new experience that is contrary to one’s expectations causes one to change their mental representations. On the other hand, assimilation is the process by which a new experience is integrated into an existing framework. The latter occurs in instances where the nature of one’ perception of the world is the same as the experiences they go through. Consequently, one cannot ignore the effect that the environment has on a particular individual because it is the basis upon which one gains new experiences. The essay shall examine the influence of particular environmental characteristics on a particular individual. (Piaget, 1950)
We are all a product of our environment
Learning styles differ from culture to culture or from background to background. What may be deemed acceptable in one region may be forbidden in another. For instance, learning in most African & Asian societies is very formal and controlled. Children are normally discouraged from voicing their own opinions. Additionally, most parents, teachers and other mentors enforce strict discipline during the learning process. However, in other developed countries such as the US, learning occurs in a less controlled environment as parents, teachers and other mentors allow children time to participate actively in the learning process.
Learning habits also depend on the nature of a particular environment. For instance, some cultures or areas may have deep respect for acquiring knowledge. It is also common to find that such cultures normally have a better reading culture than others. Additionally, children who come from developed parts of the world are usually at a better position to receive information. Developed countries have more resources than poorer countries; e.g. internet resources, television and libraries.
It should be noted that some of the basics that facilitate learning may be present in one environment and lack in another. For instance issues revolving around language, mathematics and logic largely depend on one’s environment. Certain locations may not place too much emphasis on the development of their language, for instance, in Myanmar; it was found that certain tribes had no written account of their languages. Such individuals are highly restricted by their environments because they are bound to experience fewer experiences. D.H. (Jonassen et al, 2002). gtamp.