Welcome to my blog!!! So happy to have you in this class!
I want to use this space for online interaction and discussion on issues we will raise and discuss in class. I may also use it to post about current events that are relevant to our courses. I encourage you to comment, question, and challenge these posts and the comments made by others in this course.
I love the photo posted at the top of this page. Ever since I found it online, I share it with all my students. What do you think this photo means? How is this related to your life as a student at CEPUTT? How are the concepts of equity and equality related to the work you will do as a Geography/Social studies teacher?
Looking forward to your comments!
I often get confused when it comes to explaining these two concepts but here goes.
ReplyDeleteI think that the picture on the left means that even though someone is given an equal opportunity to access a particular resource, it does not necessarily mean that they will need it achieve their objective. In this case the resource was equally distributed among the three persons however not everyone needed it because there was a variation in height. The tall boy could have already seen the game while the others could not. Therefore, despite having an equal opportunity to access the resource, not everyone had a need for it.
On the contrary, the photo on the right shows that a resource (the box) can be used efficiently and effectively according to the need for it. The tall boy did not need the box since he could have already seen over the fence. The short boy on the other hand needed the resource (the box) more than the tall boy an therefore he had the opportunity to access this resource.
I believe that equity should be practiced in the classroom rather than equality. For example, there will be students with different learning abilities. Some students may pick up on things faster than others. Therefore, some students may need an extra push or extra resources in order to understand the content they need to know. The objective is to ensure that all students clearly understand the content they need to know. It is not about sameness but rather about fairness.
Thanks for your post! Good insight into the photo and excellent use of a classroom example. I like your statement "It is not about sameness but rather about fairness." Fairness to whom? Please explain a bit more.
DeleteAccording to what we have learnt throughout this B. Ed programme, not all children are the entirely same and each child's ability to learn will vary. I believe that I would not fulfill my duty as an effective teacher if i don't practice equity in my classroom. Therefore, it will be fairness to my students.
DeleteHow will your students know that you are fair?
DeleteMy ability to practice and uphold certain ethics at all times will allow my students to know that I am fair. It all comes down to the things I say to students and the things I do in the classroom.For examples, I will not show any form of favouritism to any of my students. Additionally, if i were to generate a discussion in the classroom, all students will have the opportunity to give their opinion and views which will be respected. In that way, they will know that I am fair.
Deletethe photo above displaying equality and equity shows how some situations can be equal, allowing some persons to reach their goal but yet some cannot because they do not have enough resources to complete their goal. As a student of UTT, it brings back to reality that some students would face challenges as becoming a perspective teacher we all given the same opportunity to access education but some students do not have all of the tools needed to get though the four year degree. for example, the support from peers and parents, the resources to teach and finances to get to and from school. As a future educator, i would try to promote both equality and equity giving students the same work load but not forgetting anyone or given attention to one more than the others and giving each student to reach their goals at the end of the lessons that i teach or school term
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reply Andrea! I agree with your example that all prospective teachers are given the "same opportunity." However, some need more resources than others to be successful. How would you ensure that giving more time to some students is not viewed as inequity?
Deleteis not about giving students more time .... based on the picture, what i am stating is that as a prospective teacher we have to know our students and see beyond just the opportunity that they are all given equally, but look at the simple essential tools that would help each student to reach their goals. for example i may have one student who has no access to books and internet whilst i have four other students that are able and forunate to access these resoucres. so me being a good and caring teacher will assist that one student by providing the nescessities to help achieve he/she goals and be on point and at the same level as the other four students.
DeleteI see your point Andrea. Do you think your students will think you are being unfair? How will you address this?
DeleteI think not. I am certain that once i explain myself to my students they would not think of it in that manner but see that i am a genuine and caring teacher and i am here to meet their needs and see that each one of them receive the support that they need. not that i am not going to help the other who have access to their necessities as a students but i will be reaching out to each and every one of them in whatever challenges that they are facing within and out of the classroom.
DeleteHi Dr.Babb most happy to be in your class for the first time.
ReplyDeleteThe above terms are most vital as shown in the picture especially as a prospective teacher. The photos above displays the importance of equity and equality especially among children that i will face within the classroom.Picture 1 displays how each child is given that same opportunity to enjoy the match this supports the term equality but the question ask, does each child among the three necessarily needs the same amount? As compared to picture 2 where the term equity stands out, though each child was given the same opportunity each of them were different in their own way .Similar to these pictures is the classroom, though we as teachers may face a class we must understand that equality is most importance but we may cross path with students whom will need a little more than the other. Therefore a thorough understanding and open mindedness of both concepts as a Geography/Social Studies teacher is most vital.
I liked your interesting interpretation Kristy that "each child was given the same opportunity, but in a different way." Thanks for sharing. I wonder though how do you intend to use your interpretation of these concepts in your classroom?
Deletehi Dr.Babb these two concepts are most important and i do intend to use it as much as possible within my classroom.
DeleteYou please tell me how you intend to ensure equality and equity in your classroom Kristy. Thanks.
DeleteThe image above, depicts Equality and Equity. General comment; Towards life and as a perspective Social Studies/ Geography teacher, within UTT; I am offered the same opportunities/resources as each student/ my pairs, for the enhancement of my academic/ personal preferences. This being said, relies on me, the individual to maximized and execute to the best of my ability.
ReplyDeleteAs shown in the Equality image(left), everyone is given the same opportunity/ resource to ensure fairness, whereas Equity(right) goes a bit further than the average, where everyone is given to meet their needs to be successful; by simply maximized their opportunities/ resources to best of their advantage.
However, within the classroom it is important to portray both qualities, to accommodate for each student and their learning styles/needs. In that, in some instances you will often portray Equity in the classroom; in instances of few students will require a little more than the average students. Which relies on us (Educators) to go the extra mile.
I would agree that the Social Studies/ Geography field and others, are excellent areas, where these task can be carried out, because they are areas in which are interactive and always allows for new learning for both Student and Teacher. Finally to add these field area that are commonly represented in our everyday life: Society and the Environment.
#Social Aspects of life!
#Geography is all around me!
Thanks for your thoughtful post Merissa. Interesting that you saw this in the context of being a prospective Geography teacher. Did you see the boxes as abilities or support?
DeleteI see the boxes as support, in that support them physically and it give them the ability to be successful. In the case to view the Game, all participants were at same level, as are result of one person requiring a little more than the other( an extra box to stand on) At the end, they were all successful.
DeleteAt the end, as teachers we should all want our students to be successful. And good teachers do whatever it takes to ensure that success. Looking forward to your next posts.
DeleteYes I Agree to This! " Teachers we should all want our students to be successful, Also good teachers do whatever it takes to ensure that success"
DeleteThis highlight, one of my purpose to be a Teacher for today's generation of scholars.
Hi Miss!!
ReplyDeleteThe picture above depicts two different meanings of two words. Equality in a sense means everyone being treated the same and as this can happen in the classroom it will result in fairness. Equality also promotes the simple act of Fairness where everyone would be able to realize their weaknesses and strengths.
Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to achieve and forgo their needs as a individual. With this many students would be able to grow and become the best they wish to be as individuals, with giving them what they need would enable them to also achieve the best they can achieve. Both Equity and Equality should be fairly allotted in the classroom to the benefit of your students whereas all students have different learning styles and have different abilities.
Thanks Rebecca, thanks for your thoughtful interpretation. Interesting that you have included the concept of "fairness" in your discussion. Is it fair that every one is given the same thing and the result is that some are still left behind? I also got a bit lost in the phrase "forgo their needs as a[n] individual." Can you explain. Finally how will you allot equity and equality fairly in your classroom. Looking forward to you comments.
DeleteHi Dr.Babb, by mistake I used the word forgo with a different meaning, what I meant to say was that the students should use what is given to them in classroom as best as they can to address tasks and issues.
DeleteAs a future prospective teacher I do still think that fairness should be done in the classroom and that the teachers should let this be done fairly so no students feel left behind.
Teachers can foster fairness in the classroom thus promoting equality by:
• Promote gender (and racial) equality in all subjects while giving equal praise and expectations in math and science for girls and reading and writing for boys.
• Apologize when you make a mistakes or have a misunderstanding, this will help students view you as more of a role model.
• Teachers should collaborate with students on projects and let them help to make classroom decisions thus making the classroom more student-centred.
• When selecting students to either participate in question or answer or to help out in the classroom, always do it by random draw, and keep track of whom you have called upon. Help a struggling student individually.
• Keep record of students assessments, this will be helpful to parents and let students know their grades and where they need improvement.
Thanks for your clarification, Rebecca. It is really important to use the right words to convey the meaning you want. You have presented some good ideas to ensure fairness int he classroom. I am particularly happy to see you mentioned both gender and racial equality. Can you thin of any instances where you may have been treated unfairly in the classroom? No need to share them on the blog, but think of that experience and imagine what you would do differently as a teacher. Thanks for sharing.
Deleteok miss thanks for the input.
DeleteHi Dr. Babb :)
ReplyDeleteWhenever we hear the word equality, it brings to mind images of the millions of people who fight for various groups in society to be treated equally such as various minority groups, women in the workplace and the differently able to name a few. In my opinion though, they ought to be fighting not only for equality but for equity as well, as both equality and equity are vital in creating fairness. The photographs shows that although the boys were treated equally it did not give the shorter boys the necessary resources they required to take advantage of the opportunity to look at the game. Equity though, allowed each individual to work with the resources and their own strengths to ensure all the boys were able to see the game. As a student I have an equal opportunity as my peers to take advantage of the availability of the courses being offered at UTT, however there may be instances whereby the lecturers may have to practice equity to cater to my needs which may be different to the other students for instance spending some extra time to explain 'tech stuff" such as creating a blog. As a prospective teacher it is vital to understand that each child is an individual with his own unique needs. As such in order to truly be fair to students in the classroom teachers ought to practice both equality and equity based on the respective situations that may arise. Equality can be effective when all the students are on the same level and needs are the same which is an almost impossible scenario to achieve. As depicted in the photograph however, equity may at times be required in the classroom to ensure each child is able to grasp the opportunities presented in the classroom by giving that child a bit more resources than the others. An effective teacher ought to be able to identify the needs of the students for instance whether it be spending extra time with them or accommodating different learning styles and work with them to realise their fullest potential. As Albert Einstein once said " Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. "
Thank you for your insightful post Ghany Geo! I found it interesting that you linked the concept of fairness to equality and equity. How will you ensure equity, equality and fairness in your classroom?
DeleteThe ability for me as a teacher to practice equity, equality and fairness in my classroom hinges greatly on knowing each individual in my classroom. Knowing each individual as it relates to their prior knowledge, some idea of the challenges they may be facing at home, their learning style and their strengths and weaknesses as a student and by extension as a human being. This holistic understanding of the students can allow me to be better able to allocate extra resources to those who need it thus being equitable when needed. Equality can also be practiced as I would have an idea of the level each student is on and be able to work with their individual strengths. Fairness can thus be achieved through practicing equity and equality. An important part of ensuring equality, equity and fairness in the classroom is ensuring the students understand the terms, appreciate their differences and recognise the need for me as a teacher to practice each when required and thus not be jealous or feel they are being unfairly treated in instances when equity is required.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can see how you have thought of this issue more deeply. Thanks Amirah!
DeleteEquality and Equity.
ReplyDeleteEquality is giving the same entities regardless of the level of needs, N.B this does not ensure that all individuals will be on the same level, whereas Equity is ensuring that the same levels are met by giving what is required. As a prospective Geography/ Social Studies teacher who has been enrolled in the B’Ed program for 3 years, there is a developing realization that equality is the source of a lot of issues both in schools and in society, and if equality was replaced with equity, a majority of these problems will not exist. For example, after completing Survey of Exceptionalities, my main thought was, with equality we have those individuals we consider as “normal” and those we say are “disabled”, we go so far as identifying these disabilities and suggesting what is required however those requirements are not fulfilled. On the other hand, if we put this equity into play and all individuals are given what they require to meet on the same level…if we develop an equitable mindset, would disabilities even exist and would there be the reference of “normal” and “disabled”. Therefore when a student seems incapable it is only because we are not giving something they require.
The second thought is that we should use both concepts to evaluate ourselves and the methods which we use to teach. The fact is that within a classroom setting equity gives more positive results whereas equality will bring forth students who do not perform as they are capable due to the fact that they may need more resources suited to their learning abilities.
As a student of UTT student the concept of equality and equity has not affected me as much, I have grown accustom to being between instructors who provided the material suited to me and those who do not so I have learn to come up with my own material.
Sam, I am simply blown away by the depth of your understanding as reflected in your statement: "when a student seems incapable it is only because we are not giving something they require." Can you imagine what a wonderful society we would have if all teachers thought that way? I encourage your to write down, act upon, and live by these watchwords as you enter and progress in the world of teaching. Well done!
DeleteYou have also raised the issue of students helping themselves when they recognise shortfalls. How can we also help students to help themselves? Looking forward to your response.
Hi Dr. Babb, I'm really enjoying your classes thus far and looking forward to many more interesting and fun classes.
ReplyDeleteI think the photo means that some people are treated evenly while others are given more resources to help them. Equality and equity are so similar hence why it is so confusing to explain at times but they both work hand in hand. Equality refers to making sure everyone has the same access to the resources to enjoy life while equity is giving people what they need to enjoy their life. For example, in the picture all the boys were given the same stool to use to view the game but not all of the boys did need it. Hence those who need the stool should be given it and that's where fairness and sameness is distinguished.
Equality and equity can be related to my life as a student at the University of Trinidad and Tobago since as a student, I am given the opportunity with everybody else to attend a tertiary level institution. And with the extra aid with GATE, everybody has the funding to afford to attend this school. Now those students despite their low socioeconomic status will receive the financial help and get an education with the rest of people who could afford it. We will all be treated the same and at end of it being successful by gain our education.
The concepts of equality and equity can be related to the work that I will do as a Social Studies/ Geography teacher in ways that I will make the classroom open to give all students a level playing field with rules and guided instructions as well as assist those students who need the extra help. In the classroom, as a teacher, I will have to know the needs of the students by knowing their background and also know which area they may be falling behind in. Also ensuring that my lessons will cater for the diverse learners as well as give special attention to those who need the extra help. I will be treating my students fairly where I will do my best to give each student what he or she needs to be successful since all their needs will be different.
Thanks Keisha. I am also enjoying the interacting with all of you in the group. I enjoyed reading your interpretation of the image. I wondered, what do you mean by a "level playing field" in your classroom. How will "give each student what he or she needs to be successful?" Can you share some examples of what you will do.
DeleteThanks for sharing.
The picture depicts the terms equality and equity. These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably however they have different meanings. Equality as it relates to education can mean giving each student the same resources. In contrast, equity means giving students the access to resources they need in order to be successful. In the picture above equality displays three youths of different heights standing on wooden boxes or crates of the same height behind what seems like a wooden fence looking on at a game/match. Unfortunately one of the youths cannot see as he is too short even with the support of the box. The other, equity displays a similar picture however the difference is that the boxes they are each standing on are of different heights to suit the height of each youth so that they all can view the match/game. I believe this picture tells a story that in general no matter what aspect of life people will be treated with equality rather than equity. In the classroom it may be no different. Using the concept of equality, makes it difficult for students to thrive and become successful as each student may have different learning needs and is unique in his or her own way. What works for one student may not work for the other. As a student of UTT I have seen the concept of both equity and unfortunately equality used for assessments. As a geography/social studies teacher the concepts of equality and equity should be clearly distinct to me. In the classroom I see it beneficial that I demonstrate the concept of equity to my students as an act of treating all students fairly rather than disadvantaging some. I want to be able to give all my students the necessary and or additional support they will need in order for them to be successful.
ReplyDeleteLauren, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the photo. The post is well-written. Your explanation is clear and detailed. Still, I wondered, what you meant by the very last statement. What will you do to support your students?
DeleteFor example, in a classroom there may be students of different socio economic backgrounds. Some students may have access to the resources that they may need for an assignment. However there may be others who may not be fortunate enough to have these resources. Let's say s a laptop or even Wi-Fi at home. This student Will definitely be disadvantaged. As a geography/social studies teacher I would now have to work around this and provide the support for these maybe during class I can allocate a certain amount of time for my students to research the assignment using the available computers in school. In that way no child is disadvantaged and in doing so it will be an opportunity to guide them and also ensure that each student is doing what is required.
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DeleteThanks for that clarification Lauren. Looking forward to your comments on my next post.
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ReplyDeleteEquity and Equality
ReplyDeleteEquality within the education system means giving each student the same resources in order to get the same task completed. In comparison, equity means giving students the access to resources they need in order to be successful at the given task. Personal I think the pictures shows a clear display on life on the whole. Everyone in society is given the same opportunity in which some excel and some are left behind. This is unfair to the average individual. As prospective teachers we need to keep in mind that everyone has their own learning techniques at different rates. as young teachers we should keep in mind that there are many ways to a teaching point for the success of the student.
Thanks for your comments Kavita! Great to see that you finally got online. I was intrigued by your statement: "Personal I think the pictures shows a clear display on life on the whole. Everyone in society is given the same opportunity in which some excel and some are left behind. This is unfair to the average individual. " Can you explain what you mean please? If everyone is given the same opportunity and some make use of it and others don't, what makes this unfair? Looking forward to your reply.
Deletehi miss, i'm new to blogs but its great to learn something new. Blogs can be a useful tool in the classroom, now that i have an idea what to do its very interesting and exciting to use. My respond is late but i try my best.
ReplyDeleteMy interpretation of the photo, is that everyone was given the same amount of resources, but it didn't work for their benefits because everyone has different needs. In the present day classroom there is inclusive or adaptive curriculum where the curriculum is tailored to suit the needs of each child. Every child should be given the same opportunity but because they learn differently the teacher has to use other strategies to assist the children who needs it most. The gifted child would not need this kind of support because he was born this way and has an advantage over the boy who would have born that way.
Also in the other photo shows where the shorter boy given more because he needed it the most, whilst the tallest boy got none. This is similar to the GATE programme where students will be assisted based on the income. i don't think it is unfair because some people need it more than others whilst the wealthy can afford tertiary education.
Great to see you blogging, Seeta. I am sure that you will enjoy writing your opinions, reading opinions from your classmates, and responding to the comments posted. Interesting interpretation of the photo. In what ways does this phot reflect what you do in the classroom?
DeleteI give more to the ones that need the extra help. Some may need more attention love and care, some may even need me to explain to them more than once. i also try to let my students know i love everyone the same amount and i will do whatever it takes for them to understand what we are doing in class. I sometimes walk around the classroom and pull out several students who are still struggling and take them to my desk where ill explain on a more individual level. some students need individualized tuition.
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ReplyDeleteHi everyone!
I came across this photo already while surfing the net an I saved it because I think that it is a very deep photo, a photo that holds a great meaning. My first take on it would be that each situation must be assessed differently. The reason I said that each situation must be assessed differently is because yes we may want to be equal to all, but in doing so we have to be fair. The first picture depicts equality but that was not being fair to the shorter person. This is where equity comes in, in the second picture where it was not equal but it was fair treatment to all.
As a student I have experience both equality and equity at UTT, in terms of I had equal treatment with respect to deadlines to submit assignments and equity in terms of during a presentation once because my class mate was extremely nervous the lecturer had to change her approach and attitude towards the student in order for her to feel comfortable enough to continue with her presentation.
As a Geography teacher I would incorporate both terms. Due to the fact that I am generally a fair and equal person. I live by the saying "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" I would ensure that all my students receive both equal and fair treatment. How do I plan to do this? Favoritism would not be practiced. My rules would be applied to all with no exception. However, with respect to equity, one way in which this would be used is with regards to my teaching strategies. I would ensure that I use a variety of methods in delivering my lesson as well as testing the knowledge. seeing that students have different ways in learning as well as expressing themselves.
Great explanation and good example with UTT, I didn't think about like that.
DeleteHi Anuskha, good to see that you made the first deadline for the blog. I want to remind you to post weekly. Please continue to use the rubric as a guide for the quality of your posts.
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