It has become increasingly apparent that incorporating international stories into the classroom is beneficial for young students. The stories provide vicarious experiences from different countries that help nurture a more tolerant and accepting generation of students. Through reading these stories students gain empathy and understanding for other…

One of the author's goals was to teach his students how to use an innovative instructional method with their future students to promote understanding of different cultures. He also wanted to increase their interaction with people from a culture different than their own, because his university is located in an area that lacks the cultural diversity…

The issue of diversity in U.S. K-12 schools requires significant training and experiences for preservice teachers to recognize the importance of students' socio-cultural, religious values, and the influence their cultural background have in their quest to succeed in their educational endeavors. This study provides significant information to…

In this article, the author states that during her experience on jury duty--spent with a melting pot of socially-conscious citizens--she reflected upon the implications for education and her own teaching practice. Three major themes centering around her understanding of multiculturalism surfaced: (1) Defining multiculturalism; (2) The cult of…

To demonstrate the significance of cultural crossings in Texas and how cultural exchanges can inform teachers and students in the areas of history, fine arts, geography, and social studies, the author constructed a Summer 2013 teacher workshop for Texas K-12 teachers through the Smithsonian Affiliated Institute of Texan Cultures. The author…

Rogoff (2003) argues that "Human development is a cultural process….People develop as participants in cultural communities" (p. 3). Children develop within families, and different cultures reflect differences in how they structure activity for this development. For example, middle class North American families generally would not permit…

Research suggests that while students in public schools in the U.S. are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, class, and culture, the pool of prospective teachers is made up largely of White, middle-class women. The demographic imperative indicates that this trend will remain stable for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the…

Diversity does not simply mean differences of race or ethnicity but includes the cultural experiences that children bring to school, including language, beliefs, values, norms, family configuration, socioeconomic status, gender, special needs, home and community backgrounds, and learning styles. Yet while the population of children in schools is…

With the increase in ethnic diversity in the United States, many educators have recognized the need to expand their knowledge of multicultural education in the public schools. The success or failure of multicultural education depends upon the effective preparation of teachers and administrators. These teachers must be competent in the courses they…

To learn productively and experience academic success, students need access to curricula and instructional approaches that are "culturally relevant" and "culturally responsive". Culturally relevant/responsive pedagogy uses "cultural referents to impart knowledge, skills, and attitudes" and thus "empowers students…

The purpose of this article is two-fold: first, to explore the role played by linguistic and cultural factors in the mathematics classroom, particularly in relation to diverse learners; and, second, to provide insight into teaching, learning, and professional development that takes into account current mathematics education reform recommendations.…

Focuses on the importance of helping students develop intercultural competence and suggests ways to integrate activities for this purpose into instruction. Activities are presented to promote effective student strategies for intercultural competence. Stresses the importance of providing opportunities for students to reflect on interpretations or…

The current debate about the history and social studies curricula masks questions about deeper issues concerning society and who is to be included in the American story. If multiperspective history is taught well, it will give students the grounds to make evaluations about historical events. (SLD)

Reviews four books by respected scholars in the field of multicultural education. These works present conceptual resources and pedagogical strategies to help explain the importance of understanding the language, community, and culture of students. Also presents four other multicultural resources reviews by other authors. (SLD)

College classrooms are changing from the traditional classroom of the past. Professors are greeted with a more diverse population of students and are seeing many different types of learners. Recent census data confirm that the United States population is becoming more multicultural and that this diversity will continue to increase. As the world is…