Inclusion_+_Diversity

Theory task 3. Explain how you could promote inclusion, equality and diversity within your current/future learners. Identify other points of referral available to meet the potential needs of learners. As teachers we all want our learner to reach their full potential with their studies. In order for the learner to do this it's important for the tutor to be mindful of the issues of equality and diversity. Each learner is different due to different previous experiences and this means we must tailor our teaching so that it is appropriate to each individual learner needs. In terms of equality and diversity the relevant factors we must be sensitive to when teaching disability, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity/race, age, religious beliefs and economic/social needs. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of learners are what makes teaching so exciting and challenging. To tackle these challenges tutors need to employ a number of strategies to promote inclusive learning which means getting all the students involved in the learning. Inclusive learning can be achieved in a number of ways such as providing grants to those on lower incomes so they can complete a course at a lower cost or for free. If there is wheelchair users on the course the appropriate venue for the teaching must be chosen so that access is as easy as possible. A ground floor venue is likely to be the preferred option or where a particular class has to be above the ground floor it must have the option for the wheelchair user to be able to use a lift. For students that have a disability (such as being blind or deaf, etc.) it may be useful for the student to have learning support whilst attending the classes. Carefully prepared resources can also help with inclusive learning. For example, handouts should be in a font size which is big enough tohelp partially sighted learners with reading it. Any resources need to be in plain English (i.e. avoid unnecessary jargon). A good layout combining pictures and text is far more stimulating for learners than just blocks of text. Colour paper may help those who are dyslexic. Diversity is defined by ‘otherness’ or those human qualities that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet are present in other individuals or groups. (University of Maryland, 1995) When it comes to the actual teaching the tutor can use a number of techniques to encourage inclusive learning. These include using different learning styles, differentiation and varying the activities and interaction between the learners. It's understood that different people assimilate information with different learning styles such as auditory, visual, aural and kinaesthetic methods. Differentiation is when the teaching methods match and challenge an individual's needs and ensure their interest and enthusiasm in the subject is maintained. Understanding your students' abilities will ensure the right balance of methods and different activities are used. Other points of referral which are available to meet the potential needs of learners include the hardship fund, learner support fund, Learning support, Citizens' Advice Bureau, Job Centre Plus, Deaf Association, Sensory Support, MIND, relate and Gay/Lesbian Associations, etc.