Tips to Make Your Classroom More Equitable
By Les Huysmans
The typical student does not exist.
All students are different, and yet in many classrooms they are still treated as if they’re the same. They’re expected to start at the same point and work their way to the same finishing line. But how is that possible when students are not only starting from vastly different places, they’re also working with vastly different resources and under very different circumstances?
The inequalities—sometimes within the same classroom—can be enormous. And if we don't take active steps to break down those barriers, we risk making them worse.
What’s needed is equity in the classroom.
What Do We Mean by Equity?
Equity in education doesn’t mean giving every student the same thing. It means giving every student what they need to succeed.
Equity can be addressed at multiple levels:
- School-level: through leadership, culture, philosophy and structures aimed at supporting every student.
- Interpersonal level: through engagement that considers emotional and cognitive diversity.
- Classroom level: through differentiated resources, tasks and expectations.
1. Challenge Yourself
None of us are perfect, and equity begins with self-awareness.
- Consider the topics you comment on most often. Do they relate to a student’s background, gender, language, religion, socio-economic status?
- Ask yourself why—and whether those comments are helpful.
- Learn more about your students to better understand the obstacles they face. Empathy is the first step towards equity.
2. Be the Equity Role Model
- Learn what your students are good at—and what they struggle with.
- Encourage students to use their strengths to help others. It builds confidence and community.
- Move around the classroom. It makes you more approachable and breaks down power dynamics.
- Rethink your classroom layout. Ditch rows. Try learning stations or quiet corners.
- Adjust your assumptions. Ask open-ended questions that include everyone. “What did you do this weekend?” works better than “Did you go to the temple fair?”
3. Set Challenging but Fair Expectations
Equity doesn’t mean making everything easy.
Use what you know about your students to set goals that are challenging for them, not compared to others. Avoid assigning one task to all—some students will finish in minutes, others may struggle all day.
4. Challenge Inappropriate Language
Even well-meaning students (and teachers) can cause harm without realising it. When a comment or joke crosses the line:
- Pause the class and address it calmly.
- Don’t make it personal—focus on why the language is hurtful.
- Use imaginary examples to de-personalise the issue.
- Create space for reflection and improvement.
5. Create the Right Environment
Equity in the classroom can be achieved in many small ways—but it requires long-term commitment.
- Make sure everyone knows the rules and that they’re enforced fairly.
- Involve students in rule-making. Have them share their own strengths and challenges to build empathy and a culture of support.
- Adjust your questioning so all students can participate—change the difficulty level, avoid culturally exclusive references, and accept different modes of response (spoken, written, anonymous).
6. Create Multiple Resource Styles
Different students learn in different ways.
- Try videos, games, hands-on activities, group work, and independent tasks.
- Make materials available online so students can review them in their own time.
- Provide alternatives for students with additional needs or different abilities.
7. Use Varied Teaching Materials
Examine your classroom content with fresh eyes.
- Are the materials relevant to your students' cultures and backgrounds?
- Do the stories and examples encourage critical thinking and inclusivity?
- If your materials are outdated, let students critique them—use it as a learning opportunity.
8. Use Your Students' Input
Equity means giving students a voice.
- Allow students to respectfully challenge classroom practices if they feel something is unfair.
- Provide anonymous ways for quieter students to give feedback (e.g. exit tickets, online forms).
- Most importantly, act on that feedback and show that every voice matters.
Wrap-up
Providing equity in your school is not a one-off initiative. It’s a mindset, a commitment, and a journey.
But it pays off—your classroom will feel more inclusive, your students more confident and empowered, and your teaching more impactful.
If this sparked anything — questions, rants, good old curiosity — come say hi via the About Les page.