The meaning and benefits of diversity and the promotion of equality
Diversity recognises and celebrates differences in learners. Valuing and respecting differences regardless of age, ability, circumstances or any other individual characteristics they may have; it supports equality by respecting rights, valuing talents and advocating that all learners skills are fully utilised. According to Ann Gravells “in the past, equality has often been described as everyone being the same or having the same opportunities although, nowadays it can be described as everyone being different, but having equal rights” (pg47:20011). Therefore in teaching classrooms having mixed ability groups of learners is never a disadvantage, but in fact always an advantage. Learners can share their wide range of knowledge and different levels of experiences giving them an opportunity to achieve the same level of qualification. As the teacher could then plan and prepare different activities and targets for different assessment criteria for the qualification, so each individual learner can achieve. Linda Wilson states “equality and diversity not only affect teachers’ practices, but require the teacher to advocate equality and diversity in their learners” (pg194:2009). This could be put in to practice by the teacher challenging learners if unfair comments or such behaviour arises. This will not only be good practice for teachers in the learning environment, but will help prepare learners for everyday life.
Relevant legislation, employment regulations and policies and codes of practice relevant to the promotion of equality and valuing of diversity
The legislation regarding equality and diversity is hugely covered under the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act came into force on 1st October 2010 and bends together 116 separate pieces of legislation. Included in these acts are age, disabilities, gender, race, religion and belief and sexual orientation. The acts provide a framework to...