In the dynamic academic landscape of the 21st century, the imperative to equip engineering students with robust critical reading skills, in tandem with their technical expertise, has come to the forefront. Recognizing the intrinsic value of critical thinking and reading in cultivating an ethos of lifelong learning among future engineers, this…

This study investigates Chinese and U.S. teachers' cultural beliefs concerning effective mathematics teaching from the teachers' perspectives. Although sharing some common beliefs, the two groups of teachers think differently about both mathematics understanding and the features of effective teaching. The sample of U.S. teachers put more emphasis…

This paper suggests that the study of holidays presents an opportunity for elementary school teachers to employ a range of social science disciplines and to teach their students the fundamentals of inquiry and critical thinking. The study of holidays from a cross-cultural perspective helps students to understand that peoples of all cultures find…

This book of essays offers perspectives for college teachers facing the perplexities of today's focus on cultural issues in literature programs. The book presents ideas from 19 scholars and teachers relating to theories of culture-oriented criticism and teaching, contexts for these activities, and specific, culture-focused texts significant for…

Understanding the concept of culture helps people live with others of different backgrounds within the classroom, the local community, and the worldwide scale of political, social, and economic interaction. The lessons presented in this book help students begin to more fully understand their own culture and how it has shaped them; to understand…

Noting that composition studies in the United States has devoted little attention to cross-national perspectives on student writing and its roles in wider cultural contexts, this book presents research studies from six nations (China, England, France, Germany, Kenya, and South Africa) on academic writing development in the dominant language of…

This instructional package, consisting of a text and 15 transparencies, is designed for middle school classrooms. The four lessons in the package correlate to the study of world cultures (perspective taking and symbols), geography, and government. The materials in the package focus on national studies and state studies from a comparative United…

In this article, the author explores the many other faces of rap that do not get the media exposure that they rightfully deserve. As this article attempts to reveal, rap music, as a form of cultural pedagogy and critical literacy, is only one way to achieve the goals of a "critical education." Rap lyrics can also be used as a tool to help the…

This anthology brings together art educators from 21 countries to provide information about the past record of art education along with recent developments and future prospects. In "Part I: Historical Perspectives," the role of cross cultural influences is reported in essays: (1) "Quality Criteria Shifts in One Century of Art…

Discusses the four objectives of the World Decade for Cultural Development (1988-97) as enumerated in the United Nations long-term Plan of Action. Outlines six forms of action in the plan. Stresses the importance of cultural development, enrichment, preservation, and international cultural cooperation. (RW)

Maintains that events in France during and after World War II are still controversial political and social issues. Describes the program and activities of U.S. teachers during a summer seminar on French literature and filmmaking during the German occupation years. (CFR)

This book aims to expose students of grades 4-6 to the language and culture of Japan. The unifying theme of all of the lessons is symbolism in Japanese language and culture. Lessons can be used as a unit or in sections and specific lessons can be presented in isolation. Each day's materials and format are described in detail with specific…

This curriculum unit introduces students to the topic of minority identity issues in the context of Japanese society, and it is expected that teachers will use this as an opportunity to segue into classroom discussions of minority issues in their own society. The curriculum unit broaches some sensitive and controversial topics that challenge…

Maintains that educators can use Vietnamese history and culture to teach about human-environment interaction, adaptation, and modification. Describes Vietnamese water puppetry and recommends its use in U.S. classrooms. Includes five photographs, a description of water puppetry, and instructional suggestions. (CFR)

The teacher and student editions of this book introduce students to the subject of anthropology and the subfields into which it is divided. Students learn about the beginnings of anthropology as an outgrowth of the curiosity stimulated by the Age of Exploration and how it grew into the basic field it is today. Students examine the origins and…