Studies show that all students benefit from more wait time, especially those who are less assertive and reluctant to participate. Emphasize the Importance of Teamwork in a Multicultural Society. Working in teams of culturally diverse individuals is an activity today's youth will encounter as they enter the work force. Young people need to be made aware that their career success may very well depend on their ability to work together with culturally diverse populations. Not only are businesses recognizing the changing demographics of the labor force, but they are also aware of the implications of a changing customer profile on their operations.
Businesses also realize the problem-solving strength of culturally diverse work teams.
Educators are also concerned with issues of minority representation in the staffing of their institutions. By 2000, it is estimated that minority students will comprise 33 percent of the school population. Although the multicultural composition of the United States poses a challenge to educators, the value of such education is significant. Paper presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, Lowell, MA, August 1994. ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, 1994.