The difference between equity & equality w/ Dr. Pamela Seda
Mar 28, 2024
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Dr. Pamela Seda, Founder and CEO of Seda Educational Consulting, is a renowned expert in education and math equity. She discusses the crucial distinction between equity and equality in education, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces. Dr. Seda shares insights on building trust through vulnerability in classrooms and advocates for community over competition for better student outcomes. The conversation also highlights the need for rigorous yet supportive teaching practices that nurture all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
Modeling vulnerability in the classroom is essential for creating a trusting environment that encourages student risk-taking and openness to learning.
Equity in education focuses on meeting individual student needs rather than merely providing equal resources, challenging misconceptions about access and expectations.
Deep dives
The Discomfort of Learning
Adults often avoid situations where they could be wrong, yet they regularly place students in uncomfortable learning environments that encourage risk-taking. This paradox raises questions about the responsibility of educators to embrace their own discomfort during the learning process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of modeling vulnerability and openness to learning, especially when the stakes involve influencing another person's educational experience. Acknowledging this dynamic allows educators to create a more authentic and supportive classroom atmosphere.
Understanding Equity in Education
Equity in education is about providing every student with what they need to succeed, rather than merely providing equal resources. This concept challenges the common misconceptions that making math accessible equates to lowering expectations. Effective teaching requires teachers to assess students' needs based on their specific circumstances and to avoid assumptions based on stereotypes. By moving beyond superficial metrics of equality, educators can ensure that each student has the appropriate support to thrive academically.
Importance of Community in Learning
Shifting from individual to community-oriented learning environments enhances educational outcomes and fosters collaboration among students. When students are encouraged to support each other's learning, it reduces the teacher's burden and creates a more inclusive atmosphere. This approach facilitates richer discussions and deeper understanding, as students clarify their questions before seeking help from the teacher. Building a community of learners encourages accountability and engagement, which leads to greater success for all students.
Navigating Bias and Feedback
Students often face biases that can impede their learning and create feelings of distrust towards educators and the system as a whole. It is crucial for teachers to develop a supportive environment in which students feel comfortable advocating for themselves and expressing their concerns. Educators can empower students by teaching them to turn negative experiences into motivation for personal growth. This reciprocal feedback loop not only fosters resilience but also nurtures a culture of understanding and trust within the classroom.
On the Season 6 premiere of Math Therapy, Vanessa chats with Dr. Pamela Seda, an expert in all things education and inspiration! They dive deep into hot topics like how teachers can build trust in the classroom by modelling vulnerability, the benefits of cultivating community over competition, and a fascinating metaphor that illustrates what equity and accommodations truly mean in our schools.
About Pam (Website,Insta, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) Dr. Pamela Seda, Founder and CEO of Seda Educational Consulting, is the creator of the VANG Math Card Game and co-author of "Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom." Dr. Seda's career spans roles as a high school math teacher, instructional coach, college instructor, and district math supervisor. Dr. Seda is a prominent speaker on math equity, committed to transforming how marginalized students experience mathematics and advocates for mathematics instruction that develops all students as thinkers and problem-solvers.