Ptlls Equality and Diversity.

Throughout this essay I will look at and discuss the issues of equality and diversity. I will also look at ways to promote inclusion with the learner, and how to meet their needs; I will provide evidence and give examples of this. ‘Each of your learners is an individual who should be treated as an equal and with respect’ Wilson, L. (2008. pg. 27) As a lecturer it is essential to show equality in the learning environment. A lecturer must always treat all learners equally and try not to show favouritism. All learners should treat each other with professional courtesy and respect due to learners themselves needing to feel safe in the environment and feel like they too are being treated with respect. Also, both learners from different backgrounds and with different personalities need to be accepted within the learning environment. It is also important that when displaying any posters or using any learning materials that you do not stereotype people and that it is free from inappropriate use of language that may cause offence . For example you would avoid using words like ‘manpower or ‘blackboard’ as this may offend a learner of certain race or gender in the class. ‘Teachers must know how to treat individual children; and there is great skill and subtlety in knowing when to confront or when to ignore certain behaviour’. Cullingford, C. (1995. Pg. 109) Diversity is to know and value the differences between individuals and ensuring they are not being excluded and participating within the classroom. You are then including everyone; this will then show good practice of inclusion. For example if you have a learner with special educational needs; to help the inclusion of that learner, a use of an LSA to help support that learner may be appropriate. The lecturer must have a positive attitude and have willing staff to be activity involved with the learners. As a lecturer you should set targets that suit the individual learner’s needs. Also, the learner should have a key person with who they can go to, for extra support. The lessons must be also be planned with flexibility to allow for all different types of learners you may have. As a lecturer you must meet the potential needs of your learner. For example, if you have a learner in a wheelchair then you need to adapt your lesson to suit. You could do this by ensuring that the learning environment has been customized to facilitate the needs of that learner; for example, a lower-ground classroom could be used. To summarise, it is very important that the lecturer and the learners treat each other equally and with respect. The lecturer must understand the individual’s needs and accommodate the learning environment to suit them in a way to promote inclusion. Therefore, all learners should be included and have the additional support when needed.