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We are inviting submissions for the two-day Foundation Year Network Annual Conference, hosted by the University of Sussex on the 10th and 11th July 2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n Much recent research in transitional pedagogies has sought to critique the \u2018deficit model\u2019 of learning which begins from the assumption that students lack certain skills, proficiencies, knowledge, and\/or cultural capital, and that the task of educators is to remedy that deficit.<\/span><\/p>\n Such an assumption, we might argue, is hard-wired into the admissions processes that many FY programmes employ, for example in their use of differential entry tariffs and\/or tests in English and Maths. \u00a0Similarly, \u2018deficit approaches\u2019 are often implicit in the ways we approach the teaching of \u2018basic skills\u2019 and the introduction of \u2018foundational knowledge\u2019 into the FY curriculum \u2013 most obviously perhaps in the teaching of mathematics and science, but no less clearly in the pedagogy we adopt in many \u2018study skills\u2019 modules too.<\/span><\/p>\n This model, however, tends to individualise lack of achievement in learners and to overlook the influence of institutional, cultural or socio-economic factors. \u00a0Put more bluntly, we might argue that it is the system which has failed FY learners as much as the learners who have failed the system. <\/span><\/p>\n Students particularly impacted by this model include:<\/span><\/p>\n There is a tendency to conceptualise the needs of these students as a barrier to be overcome rather than a resource to be drawn upon, and thus a source of exclusion rather than inclusion. The increased incidence of students with ALNs on foundation courses clearly renders this model particularly problematic in the context of foundation pedagogy, but it is important to recognise that the negative effects of the deficit model potentially affect <\/span>all<\/span><\/i> foundation learners.<\/span><\/p>\n We seek to encourage critical engagement with the deficit model and its pernicious tendency to unwittingly underpin our practice and rear its head in students\u2019 self-perceptions, as well as its diffusion among the widening participation, student transitions and teaching and learning literatures. We invite contributions which critically examine the deficit model and its effects upon educators and learners and\/or which offer strategies for a more inclusive pedagogy, across the disciplines, when working with very diverse groups of FY students. <\/span><\/p>\n Possible topics include (but are not limited to): <\/span> We are keen for the two days to include a range of activities. Alongside standard paper presentations, our call for papers encourages five-minute \u2018lightning\u2019 papers (PechaKucha); workshops, roundtables or 5-minute poster presentations and other creative approaches to knowledge sharing and active learning. We also welcome proposals for full panels consisting of three related papers.<\/span><\/p>\n Abstracts of 250 words, as well as full author details (name, position, contact details and institutional affiliation(s)), should be submitted by 31 January 2019. Abstracts should be submitted to <\/span>fynannualconf@sussex.ac.uk<\/span><\/a>. Contributors will be notified of the outcome by 5 April 2019. <\/span><\/p>\n The event will be held at The University of Sussex Conference Centre. Tickets cost \u00a335.00 per day to attend. Lunch, refreshments, Wi-Fi and free parking are included.<\/span><\/p>\n Accommodation will be available on campus, at \u00a355 per person, per night plus \u00a35 booking fee (en-suite, includes breakfast). \u00a0Booking will be available early in 2019. Sussex also recommends the Jurys Inn hotel (delegate rate \u00a392 per night) and there is a large amount of accommodation locally via Airbnb.<\/span><\/p>\n The University of Sussex is pleased to host a free Wine Reception for delegates on the night of the 10<\/span>th<\/span>, followed by dinner at the Institute of Development Studies. This will comprise of a choice of 11 three-course set menus (chosen in advance) for \u00a318.50 plus the cost of wine\/ drinks. Booking will again be available early in 2019. <\/span><\/p>\n We hope to write a special issue proposal based on the contributions to the conference, in collaboration with the Foundation Year Network Journal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
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Submissions<\/b><\/h4>\n
The Event<\/b><\/h4>\n