We realised that some basic information, tips and techniques can help teachers quickly develop better practice in equality and diversity - in their curriculum and 'classroom' (or however you define the learning setting in your type of provision)  - and avoid (m)any more 'missed opportunities'. 

More questions than answers?

That's great. Here are a few more questions to consider as we all develop the discussion

• What are the equalities skills learners on your course need to become competent in?
• How do you assess for equalities learning?
• If you embed equalities in your teaching learning and assessment what will it look and feel like for
  • You
  • Your learners
  • Your colleagues
  • Your observor

• How do you liberate your curriculum?
• What does differentiation across all protected groups look  and feel like in the classroom/workplace? 
• Which teaching and learning methods will enable you and your learners to develop the equalities skills you want?
• What exactly does Ofsted mean by 'missed opportunities'?
• How do you develop the confidence and skills to manage well the unplanned equalities 'gifts' that coe your way every single day (be they easy or difficult, fun or distressing)? 
• Which teaching and learning methods will enable you and your learners to develop the equalities skills you want?
• How can you turn your learners into the best possible equality and diversity resource you could ask for in the classroom/workplace?
• What's the best approach to assessment of equalities learning and skills?

Got you thinking?

Good. that's the plan. We've published the findings and recommendations from what you said on the 2014 Equalities Consultation Pop-up Tour, which we are sure will provide more food for thought. We've also got an online closed discussion group (forum) exploring these questions. Gradually we will publish our thinking from the discussion group here too. 

If you would like to join in the discussion please register on this website (see projects login in the left hand sidebar) and then send a private message to Ljaja saying why you'd like to join us and we'll sign you up. 

• Identify the equalities skills learners on your course(s) need to become competent in and clearly identify the impact for learners of helping them to develop competence in equality and diversity as life or employability skills

• Make sure you know enough about what the law requires of you and that you are meeting the Public Sector Equality^definition Duty (2010) in your teaching, learning and assessment

• Assess for equalities learning

• Liberate your curriculum

• Develop conscious competence in embedding equality and diversity

• Differentiate your teaching, learing and assessment across all protected groups - and know what this looks and feels like in the classroom/workplace

• Work out which teaching and learning methods to use to help you and your learners develop the equalities skills they need

• Develop your confidence and skills to manage well the unplanned equalities 'gifts' that come your way every single day (be they easy or difficult, fun or distressing) and avoid any more 'missed opportunities'

• Turn your learners into the best possible equality and diversity resource you could ask for in the classroom/workplace

• Design effective assessments of  your learners skills in equalities

• Contribute to your organisation's plan to improve your Ofsted grade/inspection report