Most recently, student success in this system is measured by standardized tests that have been standardized in terms of white middle-class norms, and questions on the tests are selected from experiences that the white middle class typically have encountered. However, research indicates that not all cultures value this western world view of science and individualism and not all students learn the way the American education system expects them to learn. Native American students have not been as successful on standardized tests and in the American education system in general as students from the white middle class. We must look into cultural differences to find the answer for the Native American student's lack of success. The educational system of any society tries to transmit the prevailing culture in the most effective and efficient manner by selecting those characteristics that have the most value according to the imposed dictates of the society.
Cultural differences can account for some major differences in learning styles.
In addition to speaking different languages, in many Native American cultures more emphasis is placed on a subjective, artistic view of the world interpreted through drawing and other visual and spatial skills. Two very different ways of observing and interpreting the world meet the Native American student in the American school system. The majority of teachers come from the prevailing white middle class American culture and have been taught to accept the European model of education. Research on hemisphericity may give us some insight on learning style preferences of these different cultures. Brain research Brain research has led to an exploration of learning style preference.