• Korean Journal of Child Education & Care
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.29-50
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of multicultural education based on 'World Cultures' project activities on young children's multicultural acceptability and caring thinking. This study's research questions are: 1) How do 'World Cultures' project activities affect young children's multicultural acceptability?; 2) How do 'World Cultures' project activities affect young children's caring thinking? The participants were thirty-five five year olds in a day care center in Y city, Gyounggi-do and were divided into two groups. The experimental group participated in a 'World Cultures' project, whereas the control group performed activities of 'Fall' and 'World Cultures' themes of Nuri Curriculum. The measurement of multicultural acceptability was developed by Kim and Jung (2010) for elementary school students, and revised and supplemented for young children by Bak (2013). The instrument of caring thinking originated with Lipman (2003) and was translated and modified by Lee (2007). Data was analyzed using the SPSS Win 18.0, and t-tests were performed to compare the means of the two groups. Results of this study are: first, there were statistical differences in multicultural openness and multicultural relationship skills between the groups. The experimental group scores were higher than those of the control group. However, there were no significant differences in multicultural awareness and multicultural empathy. Second, there was a statistically significant difference in care thinking between the experimental group and the control group. The score for the experimental group was higher than the score for the comparative group. This result verified that "World Cultures" project activities show a positive impact on multicultural acceptability-the proper understanding and acceptance of foreign cultures. In addition, the project activities have a positive impact on caring thinking, which was related, not only to understanding and accepting other races, but also to respecting and understanding others' emotions.