Introduction session

1. Introduction session

2. Please ensure that you arrive 10 minutes before the class is due to start. • We would ask all learners to stay until class has finished – it can be disturbing for others if you leave early. • Please note that your tutor will be adding up late arrivals and early departures as part of the 90% attendance stated below.

3. Learners should attend all classes. If you cannot attend, please telephone the College and leave a message for your tutor. • A minimum of 90% of classes in total must be attended before the College of Progressive Education can certify your course. • Exceptions can be made in particular circumstances-illness, bereavement etc.

4. Learners are encouraged to express their personal beliefs, wishes and views, except where they adversely affect the rights of others. • Learners are encouraged to feel comfortable to express concerns, make comments and ask questions at their own pace.

5. Anti-discriminatory practice will be followed as consistent with the College’s equal opportunity policy and the manner of interaction between learner and tutor will illustrate a non-judgemental acceptance of each other.

6. In the interest of the smooth running of the course learners are expected to be punctual. • Mobile phonesmustbeswitched off and removed from desks during class time so as to avoid disturbing lectures.

7. College Discipline • On enrolment, the learner subscribes to the regulations of the College and is bound to observe them. A learner who fails to meet the required standards of the programme in any of the following areas will firstly be given a verbal warning. • Class and Work Experience behaviour • Discipline • Assignment work • Class and work experience attendance • espect for others attending the programme • Threating behaviour towards another learner or the tutor

8. Two written warnings will follow before disciplinary procedure will be instigated. • The course tutor will explain the rules, regulations, disciplinary procedure etc. at the beginning of the course and following clear understanding of these the learner will sign a declaration of understanding of the college rules and regulations. • This will be kept in the learner’s file.

9. If disciplinary action is deemed necessary by the academic staff, the procedure is as follows: • Meeting between the student and academic staff where a verbal warning will be issued. • Following the verbal warning if the situation does not resolve: • Meeting between the student and academic staff is arranged where the first written warning will be given.

10. Learners will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against under the following grounds: • marital status • gender • age • family status • sexual orientation • religious belief • disability • race

11. Differential learning and learning styles

12. Equality is a term that is used often without any real reflection on what the term really means. Many people think that it is all about treating people the same. • This is, however, only a small part of it. It is not exactly possible to treat everyone the same: people have varying needs and these needs have to be met. • For example, children need to be treated differently to adults and people with disabilities might need to be treated differently, depending on their needs

13. People are different. They come from different backgrounds, different value systems, different perceptions etc. Diversity means “difference”. No person should be made to feel excluded because of their difference or perceived identity. • We will explore these terms further in this unit. • The “basic idea underpinning the concept of equality is the recognition of the dignity of individuals and their right to respect as human beings. • A genuine acceptance of this ideal means that individuals should be enabled to participate in society to the best of their ability” Donohoe and Gaynor (2003).

14. The “basic idea underpinning the concept of equality is the recognition of the dignity of individuals and their right to respect as human beings. • A genuine acceptance of this ideal means that individuals should be enabled to participate in society to the best of their ability” Donohoe and Gaynor (2003).

15. Individuality is everywhere to be spared and respected as the root of everything good” Jean Paul Richter • Equality is defined as a ‘state of being equal in some respect’ • Dictionary of Sociology, 1999, p.202 • Do you agree? • Equality of Opportunity is “the idea that all persons, regardless of class, age, race or gender should have equal rights to compete for and attain sought after positions in society” (IBID, p.202 and 203)

16. Assignments • Learners will also be given assignment work to complete during the course. Learners are advised to set aside some additional time each week in which to complete designated assignments and to keep all course work up-to-date. • Learners are responsible for completing work themselves and the tutor will assess completed work. • Feedback will be given in a positive and encouraging manner. • All assessments must be typed; no handwritten assignments will be accepted. • Learners are advised to keep copies of all work that is submitted.

17. Learners undertake to complete work on time and have them ready to hand in to the tutor on the date requested. • Extensions will only be given in exceptional circumstances. • PLEASE PUT THE NAME YOU REQUIRE ON YOUR CERTIFICATES ON ALL DOCUMENTS DURING THIS COURSE

18. Plagiarism will be explained to the class by the course tutor and learners must sign to say they understand the consequences if they commit plagiarism • . All work copied from another source must be referenced using the Harvard referencing system.

19. You need to learn how to write in your own style. You may be influenced by authors that you find clear and easy to understand, but your writing needs to be YOUR writing. • Mimicking someone else is not a productive exercise. You just learn to cut and paste. • Understanding and learning is more than just replaying something you have heard. • Writing is a valuable exercise that tests your ability to explain a topic. We often think we understand something, until we try to write it out. This is an important part of learning.