Background: Experiential learning has been posited as an approach to influencing preservice teachers' understanding of diversity and social justice. The research reported here examined the impact of a field-based experience in Poland focused on the Holocaust as it pertained to the beliefs and actions of 12 future education professionals. This…

Reviews the portrayal of ethnic groups in American textbooks between 1970 and 1990. In the 1970s, African Americans received more thorough coverage than Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Euro-Americans. Whites are frequently villainized. Later texts provide more space, but no greater depth of coverage, and ignore white ethnic group distinctions and…

The authors define three levels of content complexity in ethnic materials and present a sequence for incorporating complex ethnic content with an appropriate instructional strategy in order to elicit a higher level of cognitive functioning. (Author/SJL)

A historical view of multiethnic education shows how current multicultural studies relate to early American efforts to educate immigrants. The processes of Americanization, immigration patterns, and roles played by Blacks and Hispanic Americans are explained. (DF)

Currently, multiculturalism in teacher education is too political to be effective. Multiculturalism lacks the general support of faculty perceiving it as minority-related concern. Nonminority faculty avoid race and diversity issues and feel uncomfortable teaching in these areas. Preservice teachers are not internalizing multiculturalism…

In Spring 1980, 150 social studies supervisors responded to a survey concerning multicultural/multiethnic programs in their public and private schools: grade levels at which programs are offered; total courses and/or units offered; ethnic/racial groups covered; objectives; and the program's effectiveness in reducing prejudice. (SJL)

Investigated the impact of an immersion experience, involving an interfaith trip to Holocaust sites in Poland, on preservice teachers' knowledge and beliefs regarding the Holocaust. Notes the extent to which they made connections between the Holocaust and contemporary racism, intolerance, and injustice. Pre- and post-experience data indicated that…

Investigates children's nonfiction multicultural tradebooks published in 1986 and 1987, and discusses the general treatment of multicultural concepts in these tradebooks. Although 12 of 35 books that were reviewed depicted new multicultural personalities and topics, much more must be accomplished to help children learn about themselves and…

Finds that the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century," emphasis on multiethnic perspectives is sparse and sporadic. Observes that its chronological approach to history and textbook emphasis discourages understanding of ethnicity. Criticizes teacher education…

Although the minority content of textbooks has increased and improved over time, its purpose and application are seldom discussed. Various approaches that promote multicultural principles, such as films, intergroup contact, curriculum innovation, multi-ethnic readers, and literature packages, are outlined in this review of the effective…

Describes multicultural trade books for adolescent readers. Defines multiculturalism, diversity, and global dimensions. Discusses four books that address the problems of biculturalism for American Indian youth, interracial dating and marriage, sexual and racial diversity in different occupations, and women's lives in the developing nations. (DK)

Illustrates the value of technology in the classroom, describing an attempt to merge educational technology with multicultural course content. The article examines four software programs that helped reinforce principles of multicultural education for preservice elementary educators. Technology allows students to choose what they consider…

Evaluates children's tradebooks for their multicultural content. Examines three categories: general, illustrations, and narrative theme. Presents the findings of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award Committee's examination of nonfiction tradebooks published in 1986; reports the researchers' investigation of the submitted books to the committee; and…

Argues that literature-based social studies provide personal perspectives for examining essential social studies concepts and generalizations. Includes lesson sequences utilizing trade books to teach about poverty, hope, and involuntary relocation for primary, middle, and secondary school students. Briefly describes the books mentioned and…

Minority group students perform less well than White students in elementary mathematics and science education. Strategies for increasing learning for minority students include the following: (1) greater use of textbook illustrations; (2) career strand applications; (3) community field trips; (4) textbook supplement through multicultural resources;…