In order to facilitate the processing of learning in adulthood, an understanding of how adults learn is needed. However the bulk of the research on learning styles has been with children. Consequently, it is unclear how or whether the current findings apply to the adult education and training arena. In addition, this body of research has failed to account for the learning styles of minority cultures. While theoretical frameworks of learning do exist, they are often inappropriate for studying minority adults.
The purpose of this research was to assess, analyze, and synthesize the ways in which Native American students approach learning situations. Through the analysis and synthesis phases of the study, a conceptual framework of learning was proposed for the use of designing, developing, and executing formal educational experiences for Native American adult learners.
The sample for the study consisted of 206 Native American students from university and community college settings. Data were collected on the three levels of Curry's theoretical learning model through the use of nine different learning style instruments--three instruments for each level of learning. The three instruments selected to measure "Maintenance of Motivation" included the Friedman and Stritter Instructional Preference Questionnaire, the Grasha and Riechmann Student ..