From the lecture on Inclusion and Equality, I learned that inclusion is simply including individuals within a group or structure, allowing them to voice their own thoughts and opinions and for everybody to discuss their various different perspectives within society. Within inclusion there are three levels which all mean something fairly different. I learned from the lecture that inclusion is of high importance in society as if there is a lack of inclusion this can result in oppression. Individuals that are more advantaged in society do not have the ability to put themselves in the more disadvantaged individual’s shoes as they do not have to deal with such realities day in and day out. Also from the lecture, I learned that equality means being equal with other individuals in society especially within rights or opportunities. I believe that each individual should be treated equally regardless of their religion, race, disability etc.

Yes, I do understand the main concepts, theories and ideas which were covered, although I do think it was a lot of information to take in from a two hour lecture as there are various elements within just inclusion and even more within equality. I do have a greater understanding about equality than inclusion as in High School, equality was discussed a lot throughout class lessons. I can evidence my knowledge from the lecture by again reflecting on the information I have learned,  I can read the recommended reading which will give me references which could be used and refer to various theorists work who have studied and gave in depth detail surrounding the main aspects within inclusion and equality.

There aren’t many concepts and theories within this that I am struggling to understand. However as there was a lot of information given on this day, looking over the information could help me to gain more knowledge and to display my understanding of equality and inclusion much more effectively within an exam question. Also as said above, the recommended reading books within this section would allow me to adapt on my understanding and will give me the opportunity to back up what I am saying with them as references.

My skills have developed slightly within this module as its gave me a greater understanding into concepts I have never studied in depth before. It has allowed me to see how certain actions, beliefs and behaviours result in certain circumstances within society such as individuals being very isolated within inclusion due to them having disadvantages that they have to cope with in their everyday life situations. This could also link in with equality as nowadays in society if you are even slightly disadvantaged, individuals can judge you and isolate you which is a problem that’s pretty much widespread.

The only skills I can really think of that may need improvement is my ability to piece everything together so that if an exam question came up about inclusion and equality I could write a full answer which makes sense and isn’t fuzzy. Sometimes I lack the ability to have a good understanding and understand some aspects so much more than others. For example, within equality there are many examples such as equality of opportunity, equality of outcome, equality as fairness etc. I find it much easier to focus on equality and the main thing what it means within society and find it difficult knowing what other aspects to bring up would create the biggest impact when answering this type of question. To address this again I think the most effective thing would be to just do further reading and read over my notes as a greater understanding will most likely give me the ability to answer with more full and good answers.

Past experiences influenced my thinking and decision as there are many things I have struggled with in the past within in school and never thought id be able to understand it. From studying, getting advice, asking questions and doing further reading I was able to have a good level of understanding to pass exams which I think could be adapted to this module within the exam so I can hopefully pass.

This relates to possible career opportunities as within primary schools children are taught about equality and human rights as these are important aspects to understand within society. Learning this will help me adapt my knowledge and understanding to class lessons and I will be able to help children throughout their learning. Also when having the role of being a teacher, it is very important that you try to include as many children as possible so that all children are at ease within the classroom and are not isolated or completed excluded. Equality is also extremely important here as I should treat each individual the same, regardless of disadvantages they may face which may affect their behaviour, ability to communicate and ability to learn compared to the more advantaged children in the classroom. I should recognise individual weaknesses and strengths within each individual child but never use the weaknesses against them or to judge them, just to simply be there to support them and to hopefully make learning simpler to understand for them. I know when I was in school I was never good at maths, and some teachers used to really isolate me for this. I know I didn’t like that so the most important thing is to treat each individual equally and fairly.