This paper uses a critical multicultural, constructivist approach to examine how the Chinese government represents minority cultures in its official discourse. Although at an abstract level the government acknowledges the contributions of minority cultures to society, our findings show a mismatched picture in terms of minority representation.…

In Australia, intercultural understanding has been prioritised in education and curriculum documents at both federal and state levels. Alongside this educational priority, schools have also been encouraged to demonstrate 'engagement' with 'Asia', such as through a partnership with another school in the Asia-Pacific region. My research findings are…

Learning materials have become significant determinants of quality learning environments for young children. This study presents an example of such learning material in the Finnish context -- a children's book entitled: "Bibi muuttaa Suomeen" (translated: "Bibi Moves to Finland") by Katja Kallio and Maggie Lindholm (2005). The…

This qualitative study examined how trainers perceive and manage training programs with racially and ethnically diverse participants. Five themes emerged: global perspective, learning styles and culturally diverse participants, facilitation style, preparation for training with culturally diverse groups and, culturally sensitive training materials.…

The American school system precariously bridged the two separate worlds in which the Italian immigrant child existed, that of his ethnic community and of the dominant society. The failure of Italian Americans to participate fully in all levels of academia will diminish expectations in higher education and in the society as a whole. (CJ)

Examines picture books portraying Asian societies as a means to discuss the criteria of authenticity (not simply nonstereotypes) in both the literature and artwork of picture books. Discusses authenticity and cultural acceptance in terms of both story selection and adaptation, authenticity and cultural conventions (in terms of value implications),…

Offers a critique from two Chinese educators with regard to the historical, cultural, linguistic, and artistic authenticity of Disney's animated film "Mulan." Argues that the filmmakers robbed the original story of its soul and "ran over Chinese culture with the Disney bulldozer," imposing mainstream cultural beliefs and…

One of America's oldest and most distinctive ethnic minorities are the Cajuns of Louisiana. Cajuns are typically Roman Catholic, rural, emphasize kinship relations, and speak or understand both English and Louisiana French. The schools attended by Cajuns are reasonably well-supported and dynamic. (JN)

In view of the vast amounts of Native American stereotyping that exists in the United States today, English teachers should analyze ways to reduce the effects of such stereotypes. Despite recent attempts to raise ethnic consciousness, American popular culture still perpetuates and reinforces Indian stereotypes, and these prevailing images block…

Because of the newness of the concept of multicultural education in many schools and the lack of published materials available to teachers, it becomes the responsibility of the teacher to design a program aimed at meeting the needs of their classes. Certain objectives may be achieved through reading books or stories about young people from…

Investigates Caldecott-award-winning books in an attempt to determine whether they attend to the pluralism and democracy that schools strive for. Finds that representations of people of color and females continue to reify cultural stereotypes. Discusses ways readers might become more sensitive to gender, class, and ethnic issues. (TB)

Discusses how teachers can enhance the experiences of their Asian American students, examining the importance of understanding Asian American parents and families. Suggestions for working with Asian American parents and families include: respect immediate and extended family members, understand diversity within Asian ethnic groups, consider…

As the visual image that is presented on television, for example, becomes more important, the minority group member faces an increasingly difficult time making image and reality converge. An examination of the work of several authors from minority cultures illustrates the possibilities that result from image exploration. (SLD)

A historical and contemporary overview of three generations of Japanese Americans is presented. It is recommended that educators should examine and reform psychological, sociological, and institutional barriers which inhibit the self-enhancement of Asian Americans. (JN)

Asserts that Erik Erickson's concept of identity gave a strong impetus to cultural anthropological research. Asserts that it is impossible for all 2,000 distinct ethnic groups to remain unchanged in today's world. Maintains that difficult choices of cultural traits selection will have to be made by peoples of all cultures. (CFR)