Efforts Toward Equality and Equity in Education

A Reflection Paper

The discussion revolves around the definition and differences between equality and
equality. The first slide shows the picture of a man and woman with equal opportunity, while the
second slide shows the picture of a nurse and a chef with the needs they need for their
profession, and so on. But the main goal of that picture shown is to visualize what equality and
equity look like. In the equality, each person or group of people has access to the same resources
or opportunities; everyone gets the same amount of the same thing no matter where they came
from. Equity, on the other hand, acknowledges that everyone's circumstances are unique and
provides the precise resources and opportunities required to achieve an equal outcome; same
goals and expectations for all but supports the needed to achieve a certain outcome. To
demonstrate, two persons have uneven access to the tree, which gives fruit. Even with equal
assistance from equally dispersed tools, their access to the fruit remains uneven. The equitable
approach, on the other hand, provides the exact resources that each individual requires to obtain
the fruit, resulting in beneficial consequences for both persons.

In addition, as explained by the discussant, when we say equality, we are focusing on

generic, group-focused, and equal provision to all. While equity means adaptable, individual-
focused, and fair. In line with that, is the application of these two to schools or public education
where there is a variety of experiences, cultures, beliefs, different needs, and resources. And as
they say, schools are tasked with educating all its members regardless of ability, language, or
prior education. One of the reasons why equity is also crucial in public education. But as I have
observed there are three levels that can work in fostering education’s equity: institutional,
personal, and instructional. Also, equity clarifies that it recognizes that every student has
differences in needs and resources to achieve a certain goal as their peers. Since every child has
their own set of talents and resources; it also prompts the teacher to respond to them in different
ways. And it is the main goal I think, of every teacher why they make lots of adjustments,
particularly those who are in primary schools. Some teachers even find it very challenging to
deal with their pupils as it absorbs most of their energy throughout the day. Thankfully, some
teachers are good at managing their tasks and can still cope with the dilemma of satiating their
students’ needs.

Moreover, the aspect that also challenges equity and equality in schools is the family crises that
may include the financial unstableness of the pupil which hinders him or her to attain and strive
for more scholarly accomplishments. Also, mental health issues could even ruin students’ future
in education, and a lack of resources might stop the pupil from achieving his or her goals in life.
But the grass is always greener on the other side, as they say, that is why there are also benefits
when we are focused on terms of equity. If we successfully managed how to put equity in
education, the student can have (1) good academic achievement; (2) socio-economic
development; (3) a stronger social atmosphere; and (4) economic growth. Thus, making the
learning environment livelier and more enthusiastic. It will also encourage learning and promotes
a classroom where everyone does not just study but enjoy the process of learning. Of course,
there are strategies to promote equity in the classroom: (1) model equity for your pupils; (2) hold
your pupils to high expectations; (3) be flexible; (4) handle incorrect statements; and (5) build an
equitable classroom environment; (6) Use a variety of resources and methods to engage students
in the lesson; (7) use solitary, partnered, and group activities; (8) parental participation; (9) give
equity training in schools for faculty members so that instructors understand how to overcome
common obstacles.

Hence, being conscious of the students’ needs might help every educator to become more
effective in teaching; it will help them and also their students to adopt and get used to a more
innovative way of teaching. And of course, as teachers, it is always significant to remember the
reason behind our adjustments in teaching. We do not implement or change our facilitation styles
just because we want to, but we change them accordingly because we have to. We do things on
purpose, particularly to help our pupils learn and enjoy the process of learning. Indeed, equality
is the best tool in education to achieve fairness in the method of teaching and learning.