Recognizes California as a culturally diverse, rapidly growing state. Identifies key issues for the development of teaching in such an environment. Argues that California education will need: enthusiastic teachers; minority teachers, corporate support developed through school-business partnerships, greater professional recognition, lower…

Argues that Hispanic-Americans can find reason for pride and positive self-images in their cultural heritage and contributions to California agriculture. Traces history of foods and plant propagation in Mesoamerica. Discusses corn, vanilla, chocolate, chiles, tomatoes, and other foods significant for their culinary legacy. (CH)

Presents a cross-cultural training program at California State University (Northridge), in which U.S. student teachers live with Mexican families in Ensenada, Mexico; teach English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) to Mexican high school students; and learn about Mexican school system. Argues that experience awakens students to Mexico's cultural…

Discusses the different definitions and conceptualizations of global education, stating that much of the traditional curriculum of international studies can be reinterpreted to prepare students to participate in an interdependent society. Gives nine objectives for global education, and delineates the issues surrounding current conceptions of…

Argues that citizenship education needs a global dimension, and identifies four basic themes for developing a global perspective in the classroom. Contends that understanding the world's interdependence requires a knowledge of all major civilizations and cultures to prepare for future public policy decision making. (NL)

Analyzes seven barriers to teaching global education, focusing on teacher education, teaching methods, textbook bias, curricular rigidity, and student attitudes. Stresses the importance of understanding global interdependence as a part of citizenship education and the social studies curriculum. Suggests that understanding the barriers to global…

Uses the stereo and the human body systems as models to help intermediate grade (3-6) students understand the world as a global system. Provides a teaching script for "Is It a System?" a lesson plan for teaching systems models. Provides objectives, instructional materials, and procedures. (NL)

Describes a classroom simulation that has students role play membership in the United Nations. Students are assigned countries and through research and debate learn that country's position on international issues. The culminating activity has students participate in a mock United Nations Assembly vote. Argues that this method encourages students…

Recommends incorporating the study of peace into the established curriculum in language, literature, and social studies. Suggests teaching concepts of peace and conflict resolution by relating such concepts to students' own lives and expanding these concepts. Includes class activities such as brainstorming, experiencing conflict resolution, and…

Analyzes and compares two contemporary curricular responses to the need to redefine what constitutes "the American character:" (1) multicultural education; and (2) global education. Uses four cultural ethics (democracy, equal opportunity, fraternity, and consent) to establish a cultural mindset and to provide a lens through which both…

Supports teaching multicultural literacy for effective citizenship in a world composed of diverse cultures, races, and groups. Discusses paradigms in multicultural education; the importance of culture in multicultural literacy; and other key concepts for teaching multicultural literacy. (NL)

Recommends social studies instruction that challenges students to identify, analyze, and confront their ideas and develop a set of tested beliefs. Suggests teachers help students replace prejudicial beliefs with accurate information. Argues teachers must understand power relationship among schools, ethnic communities, and society, where dominant…

Suggests incorporating critical viewing concepts and skills into social studies education to combat the influence of daily television viewing and to ensure a democratic society. Contends that children lack the concepts and skills necessary to make viewing judgments. Finds television negatively impacts on learning and decision making. (NL)

Describes the GENRP Model of Instruction in which students generate (G) relevant ideas from prior knowledge, elaborate (E) with information, and use nonredundant processing (NRP) techniques to organize concepts. Claims the method actively involves students, teaches basic literacy, and develops reading and social studies comprehension and…

Addresses causes and significance of geographic illiteracy among U. S. students. Defines geographic literacy as a holistic view of the earth. Identifies the five themes for geographic education and makes suggestions for preservice teacher education. Provides organizations promoting geographic literacy and lists state requirements for graduation.…