• Conference paper

Tutoring Inside: Experiences of foundation level teaching with incarcerated students

Bennallick, M. and Oleschuk, M. 2025. Tutoring Inside: Experiences of foundation level teaching with incarcerated students. Foundation Year Network Annual Conference. University of Westminster, London 10 - 11 Jul 2025

TitleTutoring Inside: Experiences of foundation level teaching with incarcerated students
AuthorsBennallick, M. and Oleschuk, M.
TypeConference paper
Abstract

Since 2020, colleagues from across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foundation programme at the University of Westminster have developed accessible educational opportunities for incarcerated students. What began as a single module in one prison has expanded to offer a full 120-credit programme across 37 prison sites, enrolling over 200 incarcerated students. Through our innovative model of supported distance learning, facilitated by our partnership organisation, we have brought the foundation year to students otherwise excluded from higher education.
Research has recognised the breadth of impact that higher level education – and accessible routes towards this – can have for people in prison. Self-esteem (Farley and Pike, 2018), social capital, institutional culture (Bennallick, 2019) as well as personal skills and employability (Davis, 2013). Post-release, these outcomes can contribute to a decreased likelihood of reoffending (Justice Datalab, 2021). However, there is limited research exploring the impact of teaching in prison on educators.
In this paper we reflect on our experiences as tutors to students in prison whilst also drawing on data from lecturers working across the programme. Through this we explore the influence that these unique teaching relationships have had on our personal pedagogies and wider approaches to teaching. We consider the power of this work in breaking down stigma, both of people in prison and of foundation programmes and consider the significance of the initiative for meaningful widening participation.

Year2025
ConferenceFoundation Year Network Annual Conference
ProjectEducation on the Inside
Web address (URL) of conference proceedingshttps://register.oxfordabstracts.com/event/74081?preview=false

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