Complicating "Asian Americans"
Facing History explores the complex story surrounding this term to broaden educators' understanding of and ability to teach about AAPI and API histories and contemporary life.
![Asian American graphic.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/AsianAmerican.png?h=69a7c3f8&itok=klCHKqw0)
11 Resources for Teaching About AAPI Experiences
Facing History invites educators to take advantage of the resources we've gathered from a host of cultural institutions to expand what the classroom has to offer on the historical and contemporary experiences of AAPI peoples.
![Online education graphic with male teacher positioned over a laptop.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/iStock-1231898401.jpeg?h=b58bc580&itok=IGsLyL6l)
Centering AAPI Students in the Classroom: An Expert Interview
Dr. Guofang Li and Dr. Nicholas D. Hartlep, leading scholars in the field of Asian-American Education, discuss obstacles to delivering quality education to Asian and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) students, the emergence and pervasiveness of the “model minority myth” (or “stereotype”), and how educators can actively center the needs and experiences of their AAPI students.
![Dr. Guofang Li and Dr. Nicholas D. Hartlep side-by-side headshots.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/GLandNH.jpeg?h=8869a3dd&itok=It89bQNM)
8 New Books on AAPI Histories and Experiences
Facing History shares eight novels that center important themes in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and contemporary life.
![Collage of eight AAPI book covers.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/AAPIbooks3.jpeg?h=c71fa88c&itok=o2x4-EFN)
Classroom Resources on AAPI History and Contemporary Life
These resources can help you explore the complexities of Asian and Pacific Islander American histories and contemporary experiences with students.
![Angel Island Immigration Station Graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Angel_Island_Immigration_Station_Graphic_FH2185645.jpeg?h=76207c4d&itok=ATkcH65D)
Three Good Things
Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.
![Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH116218.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=vIAV-cLY)
Slow Down with The Slowdown
Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.
![Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287343.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=FQS-JeNY)
Take a Stand
Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287162.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ipY6dvE3)
Appreciation, Apology, Aha
Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
![Student writes in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152732.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=vql3K3i_)
Closing Challenge
Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.
![A Facing History journal sits on top of a student guide for Choices in Little Rock.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_Chicago_FH2101605.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=TAR7mZfI)
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Students reflect on the past year and generate ideas for the kind of learning community and learning experiences they are hoping for this year.
![Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_SFBA_FH152797.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=pQhl4nhF)