Education

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Education

Module code: X4300E
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

On this module, you’ll explore what is meant by inclusion and exclusion and the implications of these concepts for education policies, systems and practices in England and internationally.

You’ll focus on how constructions of gender, race, social class, poverty, disability, sexuality and behavioural norms contribute to the inclusion and/or exclusion of particular groups of young people. Each session will adopt a case study approach and provide an overview of the key issues involved in ensuring equality of access, provision and learning. You’ll focus on the evidence relating to each case and approaches at practice level.

Through a case study, you’ll apply your understanding of issues relating to inclusion and/or exclusion to a group and context which you’re interested in. The case study will include:

  • a discussion of strategies used to promote inclusion
  • evidence of their effectiveness drawn from a range of secondary sources
  • recommendations for policy and practice drawn from the evidence presented.

Topics include:

  • inclusion, diversity and equity
  • the power of ‘the norm’
  • who is vulnerable – and to what?
  • including girls – excluding boys?
  • ethnicity and exclusion
  • sexuality
  • barriers to the inclusion of parents and carers
  • SEND
  • maximising the impact of teaching assistants
  • learning outside mainstream contexts – models of inclusion?
  • global perspectives on inclusion – overcoming barriers in context
  • developing inclusive educational systems – implications for future policy and practice.

Module learning outcomes

  • Explain what is meant by inclusion and exclusion and how these concepts relate to education polices, systems and practices
  • Draw on an appropriate range of sources to illustrate approaches to the inclusion and/or exclusion of specific groups in specific contexts
  • Critically reflect on the success of approaches used to support the inclusion of educationally excluded groups
  • Draw reasoned conclusions about how education policies, systems and practices might be developed to promote inclusion for all