Equity v/s Equality

Words, with the same rhyming pattern, are complicated to understand the real meaning. It took me years to comprehend the difference between both and apply effectively with conceptual usage in my classroom practices.

What is Equity? - Giving each student access to the resources they need to learn and thrive. It includes Differentiated Instructions and techniques suited to the individual need for teaching and learning.

What is Equality? - Giving everyone the same resources without being bias/unfair. It refers to giving fair access of resources to all.

How can I serve Equity in classroom?

1. Knowing and acknowledging various learning profiles of my students. Once I know what is their learning style/preference, I know what to provide them that they learn to their max potential.

2. Set high expectations for their skills and capabilities. Motivate through positive, constructive, timely feedback with 'You can do it..' push and see the wonders...

3. Use ongoing assessment as a constant check to know their level. When you observe the right things happening, acknowledge, and appreciate it. When you witness out of track process, don't hesitate to scaffold. Make constant changes to your instructions and lesson plan so that it can well suit to each individual.

4. Be flexible with your daily routines. Daily routines are helpful to build the skills and give enough practice to enhance the required skills, however in your daily routine have a scope of adaptability according to student need. If the learner is confused with foundational ideas, practice for the same does not make sense.

5. To discover something extra-ordinary, its necessary to experiment more than once. Nor necessarily you invent something at first go, you definitely have to go for various interventions. Ensure you create an environment for your learners that they feel safe to fail and try again. I firmly believe that the PROCESS is much more important than the PRODUCT. Attempt numerous ways, fail, get up with more force and try again without being judgemental - Isn't it fun to learn this way?

6. When you have 20 students in class, you are blessed with 20 cultures on hand, Explore and use them maximum to teach life long lessons. Think about the variety and cultural resources you can bring to serve their curiosity. As a teacher, it gives immense pleasure and learning opportunities to grow out of your comfort zone.

How can I serve Equality in classroom?

1. Welcome yourself to a world of differences to accept diversity. Diversity brings a variety of approaches and strategies. It's like you are learning to juggle with so many balls at a time like a skilled crown. However, if you practice on a daily basis, without being frustrated or giving up, you can be skillful one day. On the other hand, if you get scared to enter that zone, you loose on learners' needs as well as your own growth opportunities.

2. Treat each and every learner with a fair eye. No matter where are they coming from, what race or culture, what level of competency bringing into classroom, cultured with behavior or need some exposure/training, male/female/belive in LGBTQ... Believe me, it is a challenging journey to walk through, however worth a try.

3. To bring the positive aspects, a teacher brings stanzas of tools, resources, manipulative, and materials for exploration. You want your learners to grow, learn, produce, and create amazing things. Along with a provide, keep a critical eye for accessibility too. There should be equal access to resources for everyone, no matter what.

4. Precise instructions for Do's and Don't in your classroom. When each learner follows the same path, respect each other, and are on the same page of integrity, you can see a well-balanced approach of equality.

Both 'Equity' and 'Equality' are core components of effective classroom practices. However, Equity is preferable by most of the teachers because of its tailoring and customizing approach. What is your approach? Please share and comment...