Multicultural Education as a field of study in education is intimately connected to Teacher Education. Most frameworks in Multicultural Education are primarily centered on the inclusion of cultural and linguistic diversity in schools. This often results in the integration of heroes and holidays within the curriculum, however this orientation can…

Required courses in teacher education programs can sometimes prompt less-than-positive responses from pre-service teachers. Multicultural teacher educators, in particular, may face resistance from prospective teachers who, believing that they do not harbor prejudices, question the need to examine their attitudes toward culturally and…

Multicultural education, at least in elementary school, should represent a balance between our national identity as Americans and our diverse ethnic heritage, fostering respect for the contributions of different ethnic groups. A unit on the Underground Railroad and Black courage is included. (MT)

Asian American students are marginalized in US schools. Their academic, social and emotional needs are often ignored or misunderstood by school personnel. However, teachers, who have made an ethical commitment to each student and hold an educational philosophy that connects caring along with social justice, work hard to provide an equal…

Caring-centered multicultural education is based on a framework of values and behaviors that foster high achievement motivation in all students. It takes place within a social justice context that addresses discrimination, respects diverse cultural knowledge, and recognizes the need for working knowledge of mainstream culture. (SK)

Lists selected resources for issues centered education. Includes books about methods for issues centered education, reference and student materials for middle and high school students, and tradebooks for elementary classrooms. Lists criteria for the selection of materials that were included (presentation of alternative view, accuracy, and…

To create a learning environment that ensures success for all their students, teachers must first examine issues of race, class, and gender that may hinder that goal. A San Diego State University teacher educator teaches a multicultural education class that encourages prospective teachers to identify their own values, goals, and prejudices;…

Discusses the contributions of issues-centered education to a multicultural education program. Suggests that middle school students will develop an open-ended attitude toward social problems that aids the development of problem-solving skills. Presents an example of a multicultural issue including background information and a script of a class…

Connects the concept of diversity to the symbiotic relationship between individuality and community in the United States. Maintains that cultural awareness is a valid and realistic response to global interdependence and changing demographics. Criticizes the notion of ethnic pluralism as a "balkanizing" influence on communities and the…

Describes how simulations, role plays, and other experiential exercises can be used in educational settings to reduce resistance and encourage discourse on equity issues. These techniques can bring new insights into professional development in multicultural education, raising awareness of hidden biases so teachers feel more comfortable in the…

This paper addresses how teacher educators can prepare teachers and credential candidates to deal with the issues of pluralism and overarching democratic ideals. It examines the tenets of a multicultural education course in teacher education and discusses how teacher education programs should be shaping multicultural education. In classes at San…

Describes how urban universities can strengthen their linkage with culturally diverse communities and contribute to the health of local neighborhoods. Increased dialog and coordination of efforts can result from community outreach, university examples of diversity, and the support of research on multicultural issues. (SLD)

Suggest that teaching children about the interdependence of the world's peoples will enhance their understanding of other groups and improve their cooperation with them. Emphasizes a "we" approach to social studies, rather than simply teaching ethnic and cultural differences. Includes instruction for class activities. Provides lessons to…

This book for teachers presents stories and real-life examples that illustrate key concepts of culture, discrimination, and social justice and how they can affect diverse classrooms. It is written in a conversational style within a caring-centered framework, and it discusses culture's role in the learning process and in students' identity…

Maintains that social studies teachers need to know that Asian Pacific American students are a diverse and increasing population. Discusses characteristics of Asian Pacific students and relevant self-concept research, and presents recommendations for learning activities and teacher-student interaction. (CFR)