There is currently strong recognition within the field of intercultural language teaching of the need for language learners to develop the ability to actively interpret and critically reflect on cultural meanings and representations from a variety of perspectives. This article argues that cultural representations contained in language textbooks,…

This paper examines a pedagogy of using a critical incidents-based (CI-based) method combining student-authored critical incidents, reflection, and interviews to teach and assess intercultural learning. The researcher used student-authored critical incidents as authentic cultural materials, with reflection on those incidents and interviews as…

In recent years the words 'Finnish education' have been accompanied by utterances of 'an education miracle,' 'the best education system,' 'a success' and a number of other adjectives and superlatives to 'describe' education in Finland. While Finland's PISA ranking has declined media interest and discourses on 'Finnish education' have not relented.…

This study examines the effects of the Japan BRIDGE Project, a global education program, on its third grade participants. Characterization of lessons and analysis of student interviews were used to investigate the nature of the curriculum and whether or not student participants were more culturally sensitive due to participation. Results indicate…

Methodological problems caused by an ethnocentric view in analyzing another culture are discussed along with some aspects of culture analysis in general and stereotypes about other cultures and their functions in cross-cultural communication. It is suggested that miscommunication is subject to various norms and value systems that are not made…

Analyzes students' perceptions of the developing world and cultural differences before and after they view photographs of India. Provides ideas for eliminating students' stereotypes and ethnocentric biases about developing countries through cooperative brainstorming activities that instill high-order thinking in students and by having students…

Americans doing business with West Africans are limited in their ability to communicate successfully in that part of the world because of language, stereotyping, and ethnocentrism. Americans must become accustomed to British patterns of speech and writing. Stereotypes of Africa, its people, and its cultures perpetuated by the media keep Americans…

Racism, discrimination, and prejudice are typically viewed from the perspective of the disadvantaged ethnic minority, but another approach is to address the advantages of whites. There is one culture that is usually invisible to whites, and that is "whiteness." To grow up white is to be the focal point from which others differ. Whites…

Many universities promote cultural awareness by directly teaching sensitivity toward cultural diversity. Because students tend to be somewhat ethnocentric, which is not consonant with the display of culturally tolerant attitudes, multicultural education can help them acquire more tolerant attitudes. The paper describes the influence of a course in…

Efforts to ban the "Little House on the Prairie" series because of racist depictions of American Indians seem a knee-jerk reaction to a complex text. Teachers can use the books to develop an appreciation of American Indians and their history and to promote understanding of the disparate and conflicting attitudes of the nation when the…

Explores and criticizes the negative image of Islamic culture often fostered by Western media. Briefly considers the career, contributions, and example of Yusuf Islam (the former Cat Stevens). Includes a list of common misconceptions about Islam followed by corrective information. (MJP)

An in-progress report of a study exploring the nature and content of children's concepts of their own and other countries is presented. Current literature on early development of concepts of other people and places is reviewed, followed by a description of the open-ended procedure adopted for gathering data. The test is being conducted in…

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)

Recommends ways that cross-cultural content can be effectively presented in general psychology courses. Includes avoiding the marginalization of cross-cultural materials and perspectives, using accurate terminology to make cross-cultural comparisons, and raising awareness about bias within the cross-cultural literature. Offers relevant examples…

Reveals a preponderance of stereotypical beliefs about the African continent among preservice social studies teachers. Many social studies teachers possess little, and often inaccurate information concerning Africa. Includes guidelines for correcting these misconceptions and teaching about Africa from a global perspective. (MJP)