ERIC Digest Number 67. Many educators now assert that a growing body of evidence links multicultural education and improved academic learning. Most multicultural learning activities consist of discrete lessons organized around particular events, such as the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Kwanza, Chinese New Year, Columbus Day, and so forth. Cultural Self Awareness. Students conduct research on their personal culture, family history, or community.
Students study from booklets on American history from diverse ethnic points of view.
Cross Cultural Experience. The impetus for change came from the creation of a district desegregation plan, and a coalition of civic and church organizations stimulated public dialogue on the goals for multicultural education. Information was conveyed to the public in various forms such as publications, forums, and teach-ins. Ultimately, a series of essays on cultural contributions of African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanic Americans became the basis of the curriculum used throughout the district. Most multicultural materials currently available are concentrated in the field of social studies.