This book examines the pedagogical and professional experiences of a transnational group of teachers from the African continent and diaspora who made the decision to live and teach English in Japan. Through a layered analytical framework, it explores how these teachers struggle to negotiate their raciolinguistic identities in contexts that may…

Africa is made up of fifty-three nations and covers an area greater than the United States, China, Japan, and Europe combined. It is estimated that more than 800 languages are spoken in Africa. Some fifty African languages have more than half a million speakers each, but many others are spoken by relatively few people (Columbia Encyclopedia 2001).…

This article offers guidelines for teachers on using African folktales to celebrate Black History Month, to explore the structure and content of folktales, to encourage receptivity to multicultural experiences, and to spark creativity in students. Discussion guidelines, suggestions for student-created folktale productions, and a resource list are…

By visiting an African art exhibit, college-level art students enriched their understanding of the ritualistic art of the South African people. The exhibit is described and learning strategies used to prepare students for the exhibit visit are discussed. (RM)

Six articles in this feature section emphasize the value of African dance in all levels of education. The articles address aspects of African dance ranging from its historical and philosophical underpinnings to applications from the elementary to the college level. (SM)

These lessons were written by African social studies specialists for U.S. middle school students to stimulate interest in and develop a positive attitude toward Africans and their culture. Each lesson provides objectives, materials, teaching procedures, and is meant to be used as a textbook supplement. To promote understanding of young Africans,…

This unit is designed to introduce upper elementary and middle school students to the traditional cultures of the people of Southern Africa, particularly the Swazi. Information on housing and family life covers family structure, marriage customs, respect for ancestors, male and female roles, employment, eating customs, and handicrafts. An overview…

Developed to enhance students' cultural awareness of Africa and the Far East, this guide contains both interdisciplinary and specific content curriculum materials for two course units in Advanced Placement English. These units were designed to (1) communicate the countries' rudimentary geography and history; (2) introduce the value systems,…

Projects were undertaken at the Hampton Institute, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, to develop and test French and Spanish second language instructional materials from Afro-French and Afro-Hispanic Third World countries. The project was based on the premise that such materials would help Black college students develop…

This guide seeks to be a tool for action and a resource for understanding some of the key issues concerning Africa today. Through a series of six sessions, participants focus on a particular theme or issue that links their community with the African context. The six sessions focus on: (1) "Building Connections with Africa"; (2)…

Provides a lesson plan for beginning string students using a basic rhythm from Zimbabwe's Shona people and then building upon that rhythm. Briefly discusses simple yet effective techniques for playing and adapting African music. Includes musical scores, teaching tips, and selected recordings. (MJP)

This document presents lesson plans for instruction concerning the history and geography of the continent of Africa. Topics include: (1) "The Challenge of Teaching African History and Culture" (Robert Hamilton); (2) "A Physical Overview of Africa" (Robert Hamilton and Kim Lilly); (3) "A Cultural Overview of Africa"…

Designed for use in Michigan schools, this K-2 social studies unit examines aspects of African and Black American life. Material is divided into 11 sections. Sections 1 and 2 provide rationale, project overview, and an introduction to the unit. Section 3 outlines the five content and skill goals of the program: to learn the location of Ghana,…

Investigates social studies curriculum reform in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Reports on each country contain a brief overview of the historical situation and current syllabus, and a discussion of the ongoing "Africanization" process. Concludes with a definition of "Africanization," its purpose, and…

Argues that the media portrayal of Africa remains highly selective, focusing almost solely on negative and violent stories. Positive stories (local initiatives, political reform) go unreported as does much of the Western powers involvement in famine and destruction. Includes a list of sources on African current affairs. (MJP)