January 2017 – UWS BA ePDPs

Inclusion and Equality

Today I learned several different things, all of which interesting, few of which I fully understood. There was lots of information being thrown at me from all angles which I feel led to my comprehension of certain topics being a little hazy. I will start with something that I really need to work on, though … Continue reading Inclusion and Equality

I will start with something that I really need to work on, though maybe not as significant now, but I know nearer the exam I will be freaking about over it. Scholars. it is that simple, I just don’t get why there are so many names that I NEED to remember for one topic. I understand that relating opinion to theory is a major thing however, so I need to work on remembering (and learning) scholars and their views/work on that particular area.

Now for what I enjoyed the most, or what I understood the quickest. I really enjoyed learning about ‘The Equality Act 2010’ and also ‘Allport’s Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination’ as both were extremely interesting with both of them being new to me. Before the lecture I was unaware of both now however, I have went home and researched both more widely and come to learn more about them both, sparking my interest into looking at the rest of the module as a whole.

I feel okay in terms of learning Inclusion and Equality for the exam although I am well aware that I must work through example questions and research more thoroughly in order to gain the most out of today.

Unchurched Spirituality

It has taken me well over a week to comprehend what was taught in our last lecture. everything was said to fast and there was SO much information to take in all at once. Nevertheless, one thing discussed that intrigued me was the whole concept of unchurched spirituality. in the lecture, it was highlighted to … Continue reading Unchurched Spirituality

It has taken me well over a week to comprehend what was taught in our last lecture. everything was said to fast and there was SO much information to take in all at once. religiones

Nevertheless, one thing discussed that intrigued me was the whole concept of unchurched spirituality. in the lecture, it was highlighted to me just how little I knew of religion and the different ‘branches’ within. Take for example snake handling. Before the lecture I thought it was just some gag in the Simpsons however, I learned that it is a rea thing. Therefore, in order to broaden my knowledge, I have since went out and researched more widely on the topic. We also spoke of the criticisms of unchurched spirituality and how the concept is portrayed/seen throughout society.

I wish that there was more time within class to go over the topic of ‘Religion and Society’ as I am still unsure about certain aspects however, I am going to continue my research into the topic as to help me successfully pass the Society and Lifestyles module.

Inclusion and Equality

Yesterday was our first class on Inclusion and Equality. At the beginning of the lecture, we were asked to work with a partner and discuss the meaning of Inclusion and the meaning of Equality. I had thought that the two meant roughly the same thing, however, I soon learned that they had different meanings. I found out that inclusion helps the policies that support diversity and also give individuals a voice and choice. This is important because if we fail to promote this may lead to oppression. People who are at an advantage ignore the life experiences of those at a disadvantage because they do not have to deal with those realities.

Equality is making sure that each individual has fair equal rights. Equality often gets mistaken as meaning ‘sameness’ and not ‘fairness’.

I found yesterday very useful as I learned a lot which I was not aware of. I learned the real meaning of Inclusion and Equality. To further my knowledge of this I will engage in further reading.

Religion, Culture and Unchurched Spirituality PDP

From the religion, culture and unchurched spirituality powerpoint I learned that religion influences culture and culture influences religion. Religious culture is a form of identity, whether that may be through food, dress and even music, whereas religion is a way of life which has an impact on national culture through laws and education as well […]

Religion, Culture & Unchurched Spirituality

This week’s lecture focused on the relationship between Culture and Religion, and learning the modern concept of ‘Unchurched Spirituality’. One of the main points of interest for me about this week’s learning was looking into not only how religion influences culture, but how in fact culture influences religion. Reading the ideas of German sociologists Max … Continue reading Religion, Culture & Unchurched Spirituality

This week’s lecture focused on the relationship between Culture and Religion, and learning the modern concept of ‘Unchurched Spirituality’.

One of the main points of interest for me about this week’s learning was looking into not only how religion influences culture, but how in fact culture influences religion. Reading the ideas of German sociologists Max Weber (1864-1920) and Karl Marx (1818-1883), I learned two antagonising views on how religion impacted culture and society. With Weber proposing that the work ethic of Protestant denominations enabled the state of Capitalism to thrive in the Western world, he therefore saw religion as a social change and appraised religion as culture. Whereas Marx advanced the view that religion is unnecessary and used as a tool to oppress believers. Marx and his followers advocated a Communist state where religion was seen as the ‘opium of people’. Reading these contrasting views on religion as culture intrigued me as both have valid points, however I found myself ultimately agreeing with Matt Waggoner’s (2011) objective and neutral idea of viewing religion as a state of affairs rather than a state of mind.

Later moving on to our tutorial work, I had the opportunity to further develop my understanding and knowledge of ‘Unchurched Spirtuality’ and recognising its differing characteristics to ‘traditional’ religion. With further reading and investigating on the concept, I came to the conclusion that ‘unchurched spirituality’ has gained ground in modern society as a result of the decline of Christendom, also known as Secularisation. This can due to a number of factors including religion losing its presumed central place in society, modern education (scientific theories), reduced prioritisation of attending church, increase in leisure/technologies, etc. All of which relating to how a change in culture can then modify religion and make it less restrictive, allowing more room for flexibility i.e. Spirituality.

This section of Religion and Society has allowed me to enhance my understanding that for many in the world religion is a way of life and identity. I also appreciated learning that there are many modern forms of religion and faith in our society. Overall this week’s learning has strongly built on my comprehension of religion and society.

Societies and Lifestyles – Week 2 – 23/1/17

Week 2 – Religion, Culture and ‘Unchurched Spiritualties‘ Today was another huge learning curve for me. The lecture, independent task and tutorial were very fact based with a lot of knowledge and analysis to process. In the beginning we spoke how some people require religion as a sense of identity. It gives them a […]

Inclusion and Equality

I particularly enjoyed today’s class as I really like this type of topic and find it very interesting. Firstly, we learned about what incision and equality actually meant. I had a rough idea of this already as I previously done higher modern studies in school and topics like this one were commonly discussed. Something that I did find particularly informative was the five key dimensions of equality. I had never realised that there were dimensions to equality of condition before but I am keen to read more about it. We discussed the various aspects where everyone should be considered equal such as: opportunity, fairness, working and learning etc. Another aspect of today’s lecture that I learned a lot about was the PCS analysis. I had never heard of this before but I actually think it is very effective to understand what gives rise to inequality and diversion. Moreover, I found Allport’s scale of prejudice and discrimination very interesting, effective and factual.

I’m today’s workshop we worked together I’m groups of 4 to discuss a particular experience where we might have witnessed discrimination or inequality. We decided to display ours in a picture and written format. In ours we discussed how society has developed and had became more understanding in terms of anyone can be in love and should be able to show/display their love no matter their gender. We showed that years ago people, especially in schools, would fling the word ‘gay’ about without knowing its true meaning. People who were ‘gay’ used to get bullied because they weren’t like everyone else. However, nowadays society has changed and gay marriage has now been accepted and it is not seem as a big of an issue as it once was.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed today’s class and found it very interesting. I liked working in groups with my peers as we were able to initiate discussion and hear everyone’s point of view. I am really looking forward to next weeks lecture. Also, there was a quote in one of the slides that I found particularly eye-opening and inspiring. “Being different is not a problem, being treated differently is, stop discrimination”. inequality

Inclusion and Equality

Today I found Inclusion and Equality a really interesting topic. I think inclusion and equality is a big problem that is kept under the surface and sugar coated when it should be something we are paying attention to everyday. Throughout the day, my attention has been drawn to Peggy McIntosh’s “invisible rucksack” discussing ‘white privilege’. […]

ei_graphic-v2-small

Throughout the day, my attention has been drawn to Peggy McIntosh’s “invisible rucksack” discussing ‘white privilege’. From reading the 50 statements available in the PDF, I could relate to a couple of them because of being young and female but the thought of someone experiencing anymore than a couple seriously upsets me. I feel ignorant that I haven’t completely thought about these statements and I’m glad they have been brought to my attention. It also upsets me that people in the world can inflict these feelings onto others and I’m hoping being more aware of them will allow me to avoid inflicting these feelings on others.

I chose question 2, as well as 3, to discuss as I felt that one of the reasons I hadn’t noticed the “invisible rucksack” was because my school did an excellent job of creating an equal and inclusive environment.

Question 2

Think about the last school you attended as a learner.

Were all learners included?

Majority of learners were included, although my secondary school had a high percentage of none-English speaking students that I feel weren’t included.

What makes you think so?

By not having English as their first language, they weren’t fully involved in the learning and were also put into different level classes making it difficult for them to feel included and be involved in all aspects of learning and teaching.

Were all learners valued?

I felt all learners that contributed and tried were valued.

What makes you think so?

Many students didn’t want to be in school and didn’t try or work hard. I felt as though this caused some teachers and other pupils to value their work or attendance to the class lesser than students who worked hard and contributed to class discussions/work.

Were all achievements valued?

I would say yes.

What makes you think so?

Our secondary school had many different forms of achievement and I feel they were valued just as much as the next e.g. exam results, sport competitions, eco club etc.

Were all abilities valued?

Yes.

What makes you think so?

Everyone had different abilities and capabilities and the school valued and supported everyone’s differences.

Inclusion and Equality

inclusion-and-equality

In today’s lecture, we looked into the questions such as what is equality and what is inclsuion? In the seminar we explored different questions which related to these areas such as thinking of a time where you encountered someone being treated unfailry or not equally. Our group remebered at school that the word “gay” was often used agaisnt people negativley, however in todays socitey, being “gay” is accepted widely and through out many countries.

I found it enjoyable to explore terms such as inequality and exclusion to find out how miniorities and groups were specifically targetted and treated differently in 2017 and how we can change this as educators in the generations in the future we will be resposible for.

Inclusion and Equality

I thoroughly enjoyed today’s input which was based on inclusion and equality. Before today I considered myself to have a good understanding of the words inclusion and equality, however the lecture exemplified that there is a more significant in-depth definition behind inclusion and equality, and the impacts of these words on not just individuals, but … Continue reading Inclusion and Equality →

Today I learnt that the term ‘inclusion’ is the state of being included within society. Inclusion involves many policies and practises that pillars diversity, opportunity to share opinions and make our own choices, connections with culture and legitimisation. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of these key words in particularly diversity which in society comprises and involves communities, being enriched with different cultures, nationalities and religion. It important to bear in mind that we are not the same, we all develop through varying experiences, we are all unique and we all contribute something different to our community and world. Also within the term inclusion it is fundamental that individual abilities are always considered and ensuring that there are flexibilities to support everyone’s individual needs in a varying of contexts. Hence, inclusion is paramount for me as a student teacher/ perspective teacher to ensure that the classroom environment is adapted to suit and involve every pupil regardless of their individual needs and abilities.

The second key term introduced today was ’equality’ which is the affirm of being equal in status, rights, fairness and opportunities. Equality is again based around involvement and adapting, but rooted upon inclusion being consistent throughout society. I learnt that equality can be treated as fairness governing so that groups and individuals are not treated unjustly and that their views are not shunned away from society and fully included in general society.

During the independent study, I decided to research Penny McIntosh privilege concept. McIntosh wrote an academic paper based upon equality among the “White Privilege and Male Privilege”, her finding where no matter gender, religion, orientations or race everyone is entitled to same and rightness opportunities, moreover everyone within society should be able to participate in the same activities without being discriminate because of the same factors above.

As a student teacher/ perspective teacher it is vitally important to demonstrate to pupils that we are all equal but unique, we all contribute something different to the world whether it is skills, abilities or culture, emphasising to pupils that we must respect and include each other regardless of gender, religion and race.

Today really did enlightened me to ‘equality and inclusion’ and I look forward to learn more about this insightful topic in next week inputs.

References

Mcintosh, Penny (1988). White Privilege and Male Privilege. Available at: http://www.collegeart.org/pdf/diversity/white-privilege-and-male-privilege.pdf (Accessed: 30 January 2017).