equal opportunities in the classroom 16 th october 2013
TRANSCRIPT
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CLASSROOM
16th October 2013
Objectives for the sessionDefinition - Equal Opportunities & DiversityWhat EO means in the classroomThe challenge in the classroomWhat you would expect to see…Subject relatedHow is it done?Lessons to be learnt
Equal opportunity is usually linked to the law and focuses on legislating against unjustified discrimination.
• Treat learners fairly• Remove barriers to equal opportunity and redress
any imbalances in the classroom • Make reasonable adjustments to enable learners
with specific needs to access our classrooms.
Equal Opportunities?
Diversity?
Diversity is about visible and invisible differences, accepting them, and harnessing and maximising the potential they bring.
Teachers - recognise that people are different in many visible
and invisible ways- responsibility to understand, value and manage
these differences effectively
What EO means in the classroom
Context: Equality Act 2010Race, Gender, Disability etc
Other Protected characteristics, age, pregnancy or
maternity, religion or belief, sexual orientation,
gender reassignment
Eliminate unfair discrimination, promote equality
of opportunity, foster good relations
DISABILITY
LANGUAGE
RELIGION OR BELIEF
UPBRINGING
POSITIONIN FAMILY
HAVING/NOT HAVING
DEPENDENTS
FA MI LYBACKGROUND
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
EDUCATION
AG E
ETHNICITY& RACE
SEXUALORIENTATION
PERSONALITY
Why we should build equal opportunity and diversity into our work? Equal opportunity and diversity are strongly interconnected: we need both.
1. The goal is to develop learners’ abilities and skills
2. Equal opportunity and diversity themes provide real content to develop the learners’ skills in a meaningful way.
3. Learners have the right to have their differences respected.
What are the benefits…..?
The promotion of equality
in
teaching and learning features
prominently in every Ofsted
inspection and is key to
meeting
requirements of th
e Public Sector
Equality Duty. M
ore than th
at, it is
about deliverin
g excellence and
getting it r
ight for a
ll of
your learners.
Institutional Commitment
The challenge…Its a struggle to call on every student equally and treat your students, who are inherently different, the same.
Nevertheless, classroom equality is a significant issue for the • learner• parents• educational establishment……OFSTED……..
Consider the myriad number of ways that you can work to ensure classroom equality for your students while keeping your focus on teaching.
What you would expect to see in teaching and learning and assessmentInteresting and appropriate teaching &
learning methods and resources inspire and challenge ALL; engage ALL to extend knowledge, skills, understanding
Progress is at least satisfactory for ALL groups; achievement gaps have narrowed
Learning, teaching, assessment promotes equality and supports diversity
What you would expect to see in teaching and learning and assessmentPositive celebration of diversityActive promotion of positive attitudes
towards protected characteristicsCourses are planned to meet the needs of
ALL learners- content and range of
What subject do you teach?History
English
Law
Religious Studies
Philosophy
French
etc
Maths
Chemistry
Physics
etc
E&D in the classroomPlanned opportunitiesSchemes of Work Lesson Plans
Classroom environmentDisplaysMaterialsSeating planChallenging inappropriate behaviour
E&D in the classroomTeaching opportunities
Language & expression Extension questions Visual material Themes & topics Style of worksheets Real world examples Links to current issues Names in cases studies Peer support & buddies etc
OFSTED E&D clearly signposted across the campus Policies and approach etc were good
BUT Teachers do not always promote equality and
diversity well in lessons….
Lessons to be learnt
