Achieving higher levels of proficiency in a foreign language depends on more than an extensive knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Evidence is mounting that true proficiency depends on cultural awareness about how and when language is used. This suggests that teachers in foreign language classrooms must incorporate explicit cultural lessons into…

Teaching intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is still a challenging goal to achieve in English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) education. ESL/EFL instructors teaching in textbook-based educational contexts require more tangible approaches to designing and implementing purposeful intercultural language teaching that amplifies the…

This article reflects on various challenges encountered during a pilot action-based research "Integrating Multicultural Music Education into the Elementary School Curricula of Public Schools in Thailand." This project was set up to develop lesson plans, activities, teaching tools and evaluation methods for music teachers. As a…

The second edition of "Words and Actions" features an expanded framework, a variety of new unit, lesson, and activity examples from different languages and levels, and additional content on how social justice education fits within the context of contemporary approaches to language instruction. The revised text provides concrete examples…

Culture is an indispensable dimension of human life and also foreign language teaching and learning process; and as a part of the current trend, diverse cultural elements are covered in recently published English as a foreign language (EFL) coursebooks. These cultural elements are not limited to the target culture but they cover local and…

The unit, designed for junior and senior high gifted students interested in Chinese thought and art, is intended to to acquaint students with examples of Chinese painting, sculpture, and music along with examination of related philosophical ideas. Five subject areas are presented in terms of objectives, materials, and teaching presentation. The…

Eight culture capsules describing various aspects of French housing are presented. Each capsule includes a French-American contrast and gives ideas for classroom presentation and student activities. The capsules deal with: le logement, les immeubles, les exterieurs, la minuterie, les portes, la salle de bain, le refrigerateur, and culture grains…

This guide describes a 7-day lesson plan to be used with bilingual 3rd and 4th graders and 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes. The guide shows how mask making can be tied into each class, and then how to pull the classes together for the older students to become peer tutors to the younger ones in the…

Teaching techniques, lessons, and activities for teaching English as a second language (ESL) in grades K through 12 are suggested. Cross-cultural suggestions, supportive ethno-pedagogical methods, and ideas for implementing the language experience approach to reading are provided within the framework of an activity-based program and an…

This report describes an intervention to improve American kindergarten children's understanding of Japanese culture. The intervention consisted of a curriculum unit presented in a kindergarten class of 14 American and 7 Japanese children in Brookline, Massachusetts. Before and after the intervention, the American children's knowledge of Japanese…

Self-contained lessons for use in secondary level social studies, English, and language arts courses will help students understand that they are a part of a global community. Although written for use in Ohio schools, the lessons can easily be adapted for use in other states. Unit 1 shows students how the decisions of people in other countries can…

Produced by the Alberta, Canada government, this document encourages educators to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity in Alberta schools. Chapter 1 presents definitions of basic terminology, while chapter 2 outlines a school's role in creating positive conditions for student growth in understanding human similarities and…

Part of the Native American way is to be quiet; traditionally Native Americans had to be quiet to survive, to be secure, and to show respect. This curriculum guide, suitable for use at intermediate grade levels, presents a unit designed to share this important aspect of the Native American culture. The six lessons provide teachers with background…

Developed in response to the need for ways to help build better understanding and appreciation of people of all ethnic groups, this guidebook presents author-tested lessons, activities, and teaching ideas suitable for use in elementary/secondary classes in which all or part of the students are Alaska Natives or in classes where none of the…

Any activity that brings together people from different cultures leads to the emergence of cultural differences and similarities. The 35 lesson plans contained in this document suggest activities that highlight the differences. However, without being surrounded by various activities showing essential similarities, these activities would have the…