Equity in Teaching and Learning

Some questions to get you thinking:

Who is able to benefit most from the learning environment you create? Male or female students? 'Struggling students' or the most able? Students from the 'dominant culture' or students from other cultural backgrounds? What about students with disabilities? Could they avail themselves of the learning opportunities open to other students?

Is the curriculum inclusive or exclusive in its structure and language? Are gender, socio-economic or ethnic assumptions made about the learners? To what extent is your teaching arranged to cater to learner difference? Are examples you use in teaching relevant to a diverse student population?

Which of your students get most attention in class? Front row, back row? Males, females? The unruly or the most attentive? The most articulate? Those who know the right answer or those struggling to follow what you've been saying?

In student-centred learning activities, which students are most active? Who are the least active? In the laboratory, who does what? Who does the 'hands-on' work and who records the results?

Which of your students receive the most frequent and relevant feedback on their progress? Does your feedback emphasise error and deficiency or encourage growth and further learning?