Equality and Diversity  Aims: To provide an introduction to the background and requirements of Equality and Diversity and to introduce E&D into learner’s thinking when developing Session Plans.  Outcomes: By the end of this session;  All learners will be able to locate the Equality Act 2010  All will be able to compare some of the differences between Equality and Diversity  All learners will have contributed in writing and or verbally to Equality and Diversity considerations when creating a session plan

Equality Act 2010 Google: Equality act 2010 summary guide public sector organisations Or, look on your PTLLS Wiki!

Equality  A definition:  “Equality is about the rights of learners to have access to, attend and participate in their chosen learning experience…. Regardless of ability and/or circumstances.”  Gravells,A.(2010) Passing PTLLS Assessments. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd

Diversity  A definition.  “Diversity is about valuing and respecting the differences in learners, regardless of ability and/or circumstances, or any other individual characteristics they may have.”  Gravells,A.(2010) Passing PTLLS Assessments. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd

And side by side…..  Equality  is about the rights of learners to have access to, attend and participate in their chosen learning experience…. Regardless of ability and/or circumstances  Diversity  is about valuing and respecting the differences in learners, regardless of ability and/or circumstances, or any other individual characteristics they may have.”

Inclusive Learning The greatest degree of match or fit between how learners learn best, what they need and want to learn, and what is required from the sector, a college and teachers for successful learning to take place. Tomlinson 1996 This involves identifying learners’ specific and additional needs, providing resources and appropriate support, meeting their preferred learning styles and giving them access to fair assessment.

Equality of Opportunity  ‘Inclusive learning’ is on the needs of individual learners.  ‘Widening participation’ focuses on the community,  ‘Equality of opportunity’ (EO) embraces the general ethos of your organisation.

You will need to;  ■ identify the initial learning needs and aims of individual students,  and the best way to help them learn.  ■ build on the skills, knowledge or experience they bring.  ■ develop varied and inclusive teaching approaches that  provide opportunities appropriate to individual learning styles.  ■ ensure group work involves students and does not sideline  or isolate any of them.  ■ give learners regular feedback on their progress.  ■ monitor how learners are achieving and adjust the course  where appropriate.  ■ ensure that course content challenges stereotypical perceptions,  is sensitive to individual needs and celebrates diversity.

Widening Participation Some of the barriers to learning that can prevent or discourage adults from continuing with their education are for example, lack of information, childcare support or basic skills, and difficulties meeting the costs of study. Your organisation can widen participation by asking themselves whether they are genuinely widening participation -  or simply increasing numbers.

Checking what you have learnt..  Equality  is about the ……of learners to have …..to, attend and …….in their ……learning experience Regardless of ability and/or circumstances  Diversity  is about ………and respecting the …………… in learners, regardless of ……. and/or circumstances, or any other individual characteristics they may have.”

Finally…  Equality  is about the rights of learners to have access to, attend and participate in their chosen learning experience…. Regardless of ability and/or circumstances  Diversity  is about valuing and respecting the differences in learners, regardless of ability and/or circumstances, or any other individual characteristics they may have.”