pttls task 2

Task 2

In this assignment I am going to discuss issues of equality and diversity and how I could promote inclusion, equality and diversity with my current learners.
I feel as a facilitator is our role to be aware of equality, diversity and inclusion with all our learners. All learners have the right to an education and should be treated fairly. Everyone is different but they all have equal rights. Gravells , L (2008:18) believes that “ inequality and discrimination should be tackled to ensure fairness, decency and respect among learners” .Diversity as Gravells suggests is about “ valuing and respecting the differences in learners, regardless of ability and/ or circumstances, or any other individual characteristic they may have”. Diversity can add substance to a session.

When I do my initial assessment I will understand my learners needs, this will help me with my inclusion of learners, so I am planning and preparing my lessons with all my learners in my mind. Taking into consideration that some learners are visual, audio and some are kinaesthetic. By doing these you will keep all your learners engaged and allow all your learners to participate in the lesson Wilson, L (2009:153) states “it is about creating interesting, varies and inspiring learning opportunities for all learners, ensuring all learners contribute and are never disadvantaged by methods, language or resources”.

I would promote equality with my learners by giving all my learners the same amount of respect and treating everyone the same as regards to discipline. Wilson, L (2009:27) “Each of your learners is an individual who should be treated as an equal with respect”. Using learner’s experiences as a teaching resource can encourage learners to overcome their stereotypes and enable them to recognise other backgrounds. This can promote a positive environment for all learners. Some of my learners lack confidence or have literacy issues. However, by discussing their concerns and building up a rapport with them, involving them in activities, using resources such as hand outs, the internet , creating a cv ,DVD, interview techniques and presentations I can break down the barriers to learning. I try and vary the learning styles, so all learners will benefit. Equal opportunities are in place so that learners with learning difficulties are able to have the same opportunities as everyone else. As a tutor I would advise all my learners of the different organisations internally and externally that can help them.
I would advise that there is a crèche for those with child care needs, a nurse and wellbeing centre with a student counsellor for those with personal problems. I would also let learners know that there are personal learning coaches for learners who would like more support; these are points of referral which would be discussed with learners on their initial assessment and ongoing throughout the length of the course.

I feel that diversity within the classroom is accepting everyone for who they are regardless of their age, ability, gender and ethnicity. It is our duty as a tutor to be a role model for learners, we can do this by treating learners equally and fairly , not stereotyping and being respectful. To support us in this the government have created a new Equality Act 2010 (1st October) which states everyone should be treated equally no matter what Race, Disability , Gender ,Age , Sexual Orientation, Religious belief, Gender identity , Marriage/Civil partnership and Pregnancy/maternity, as stated by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

One of our responsibilities as a tutor is to be aware of the current legislations requirements and codes of practice relevant to your subject. In the hairdressing industry there is much legislation that needs to be adhered to. The Health and Safety at Work Act is taught to all my learners, so that they work in a safe way within the salon, being aware of personal protective equipment, COSHH and all the dangers associated with the salon environment. They are made aware of The Data Protection Act and taught the importance of keeping client record cards in a secure place and how they should never disclose any personal information regarding their clients. It is my responsibility to adhere to all the above and make sure the rules and regulations are being followed. In conclusion by promoting equality and diversity in my lessons I am making sure that my teaching is inclusive and promotes a sense of inclusion at an individual level. In adult education as Geoff Petty (2004:82) states: ‘All students must feel that they are positively and equally valued and accepted, and that their efforts to learn are recognised, and judged without bias. It is not enough that they are tolerated. They must feel that they and the groups to which they belong (e.g. gender, social-class or attainment groups) are fully and equally accepted and valued by you, and the establishment in which you work’.

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