Explain /Discuss Issues of Equality and Diversity and Ways to Promote Inclusion with Your Learners

Explain /discuss issues of equality and diversity and ways to promote inclusion with your learners

Equality is the need to provide all learners with equal opportunity. It is the duty of the teacher to ensure all students feel valued, are given the same rights of access to learning resources and are given equal help and support to develop their full potential without showing any favouritism. All students must be treated fairly without discrimination regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, age or religious belief. Everyone is different and must be treated as individuals; however every learner must have equal rights of access to facilities. Wilson (2008:28) writes “do not stereotype, courses should be available to all”

An example of this could be to hold a class on ground level to allow easy access for wheelchair users.

The fundamental objective of the commission, as summarised in section 3 of the Equality Act 2010, is to support the development of a society where: o people 's ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination; o there is respect for and protection of each individual 's human rights; o there is respect for the dignity and worth of every individual; o every individual has an equal opportunity to participate in society; and o There is mutual respect between groups based on understanding and valuing diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights. (portsmouth.gov.uk)

Diversity is about treating students as individuals. A teacher needs to be able to adapting teaching methods to accommodate the needs of individual learners. Treating students with respect at all times, giving consideration for their individual differences and needs. Continuous assessment will help to identify these.
Diversity is about valuing difference between individuals and groups of people. Diversity welcomes these differences rather than trying to get rid of them. It is only where diversity is recognised and celebrated that there can be real equality (Learner Voice Equality and Diversity – What’s that then? June 2008). A key principle is to assume nothing and treat your students as individuals.

Identify/review other points of referral available to meet the needs of learners

A teacher needs to know their limits and where to refer students for help and advice outside the teachers remit.

Points of referral include: o Parent/guardian in the case of disabled or junior students o Social services for parents and students at risk o Child Line o Environmental Health o HSE (Health and Safety Executive) o Line managers o Health and Safety reps o Union reps o AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) o Debt Management o Stress Management o Library o Internet

Points of referral depend greatly on individual students. Adult and young students may need referring to different organisations, for example, adult students may need the help of AA or Debt Management where young students may need to seek advice from parents/guardians or Child Line. A teacher may find difficulty in convincing the student that they need help beyond the teachers’ expertise. The teacher must follow professional etiquette to identify the student needs, recognise the limit of their expertise and know where to refer them to for additional help and support.

Bibliography:
.Wilson L (2008) Practical Teaching, A Guide to Teaching PTLLS & CTLLS Learner Voice Section 3 of the Equality Act 2006 portsmounth.gov.uk (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/equality/10289.html)
Equality and Diversity – What’s that then? June 2008 (http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/NorthWest/LSC_Equality_and_Diversity_Brochure.pdf)

Bibliography: .Wilson L (2008) Practical Teaching, A Guide to Teaching PTLLS & CTLLS Learner Voice Section 3 of the Equality Act 2006 portsmounth.gov.uk (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/equality/10289.html) Equality and Diversity – What’s that then? June 2008 (http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/NorthWest/LSC_Equality_and_Diversity_Brochure.pdf)