'Low income doesn't mean stupid and destined for failure' : challenging the deficit discourse around students from low SES backgrounds in higher education
- Authors: McKay, Jade , Devlin, Marcia
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Inclusive Education Vol. 20, no. 4 (Apr 2016), p. 347-363
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- Description: The discourse around students from low socio-economic backgrounds often adopts a deficit conception in which these students are seen as a 'problem' in higher education. In light of recent figures pointing to an increase in the number and proportion of these students participating in higher education [Pitman, T. 2014. "More Students in Higher ed, But it's no more Representative." The Conversation 28: 1-4] and an absence of evidence to support deficit thinking, this deficit discourse requires re-examination. Qualitative data from 115 interviews carried out across 6 Australian universities as part of a national study reveal that, contrary to the conception of these students as a 'problem', students from low SES backgrounds demonstrate high levels of determination and academic skills and that they actively seek high standards in their studies. This paper critically examines deficit conceptions of these students, drawing on findings from qualitative interviews with 89 successful students from low SES backgrounds and 26 staff members recognised as exemplary in their provision of teaching and support of students from low SES backgrounds. Drawing on these findings, this paper challenges the deficit discourse and argues for a more affirmative and nuanced conception of students from low SES backgrounds.
Academic leaders' perspectives on adopting ePortfolios for developing and assessing professional capabilities in Australian business education
- Authors: Holt, Dale , McGuigan, Nicholas , Kavanagh, Marie , Leitch, Shona , Ngo, Leanne , Salzman, Scott , Watty, Kim , McKay, Jade
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Educational Technology Vol. 32, no. 5 (2016), p. 1-18
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- Description: This paper represents a major stage of data collection and reporting on an Australian Office for Learning and Teaching Innovation and Development grant investigating the adoption of ePortfolios for developing and assessing professional capabilities in Australian undergraduate business education. Assessing desired capabilities with and through ePortfolios does not have strong traction in business education courses and disciplines. The status of ePortfolio use in business education in the sector is profiled through the perspectives of academic business leaders. The reasons why ePortfolio use is limited are explored, along with the possible benefits through greater and more systematic use in the curriculum. Various technological, training and support implementation issues are highlighted. The framing of key elements of effective implementation are summarised at the end of the paper. © 2016 Australasian Journal of Educational Technology.