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…

Current research suggests that culture strongly influences students' learning patterns, communication styles, perceptions, and behavior. This research summary details ways that teachers can improve student learning by becoming aware of cultural differences and employing culturally sensitive instructional methods. Concentrating on how students…

The Developmental Speech Sequence Model (DSSM), based on a developmental approach designed to overcome deficiencies in public speaking, offers students guidelines for speech delivery but not at the expense of spontaneity. While some approaches provide step-by-step direction or are more abstract, the DSSM builds developmentally through a series of…

This book examines the cultural universal of religion and spirituality from a multicultural perspective and a time dimension. The text is written for juveniles and includes many color photographs. Chapters include: (1) "The Need to Believe"; (2) "The Americas"; (3) "Africa"; (4) "Europe and the Middle East"; (5) "Asia"; and (6) "Australia and the…

This book examines the cultural universal of education from a multicultural perspective and a time dimension. The text is written for juveniles, and includes many color photographs. Chapters include: (1) "What is Education?"; (2) "The Americas"; (3) "Africa"; (4) "Europe and the Middle East"; (5) "Asia"; and (6) "Australia and the South Pacific."…

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…

Outlines the elements necessary for successful development and implementation of cross-cultural curricula and related international exchange, drawing on field experience in creating a new international graduate curricula in management. International course development is a resource-intensive activity that must take into consideration the cultural…

Using young adult literature from other countries in the classroom provides a common ground from which to build the tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity so needed in today's world. By viewing books from other countries as artifacts of culture, it is possible to learn about other lands and their peoples. It is also possible to…

This book examines the cultural universal of leisure time and recreation from a multicultural perspective. The text is written for juveniles and includes many color photographs. Chapters include: (1) "People At Play"; (2) "The Americas"; (3) "Africa"; (4) "Europe and the Middle East"; (5) "Asia"; and (6) "Australia and the South Pacific." The…

Proposes a number of culture-sensitive practices based on Guba and Lincoln's (1989) criteria for trustworthiness and authenticity when working in Melanesian cultural contexts. Addresses issues of initial contact, ownership of knowledge, prolonged engagement, persistent observation, member checks, language and interview process. Contains 15…

This unit focuses on Japanese radio exercises which became popular in Japan just after World War II and are still used among students and workers in companies to help raise morale and form group unity. The exercises reflect the general role of exercise in Japanese culture--to serve as a symbol of unity and cooperation among the Japanese, as well…

This unit focuses on the periods in Japanese history up to the reign of Prince Shotoku (A.D. 592-622) and his role in the transmission of Chinese culture to Japan. A special focus is made on the joint practice of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan. Each lesson's materials and format are described in detail with specific objectives noted and the…

This manual provides guidelines, sample documents, and sample lesson plans for the trainers, trainees, and host families involved in homestays for Peace Corps volunteers. The manual contains 11 sections that deal with the following topics: (1) introduction; (2) policy, timelines, and responsibilities; (3) medical and financial issues; (4) host…

This book examines the cultural universal of family and community from a multicultural perspective. The text is written for juveniles, and includes many color photographs. Chapters include: (1) "Families Are Everywhere"; (2) "The Americas"; (3) "Africa"; (4) "Europe and the Middle East"; (5) "Asia"; and (6) "Australia and the South Pacific." The…

This awareness-raising module on women at midlife and older ages in cross-cultural perspective is intended for discussion groups, workshops, and college courses on women's lives in different societies. Based on empowerment workshops in Acapulco, Mexico, and the District of Columbia, in which women from a wide range of social classes and…