NCJ Number
85470
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: (January 1982) Pages: 12-18
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
An experimental study design was used to analyze the effect of a mathematical educational model on self-esteem male prison inmates.
Abstract
The impetus for the study was the research showing that prisoners are characterized by low self-esteem. The 40 experimental subjects and 40 controls were chosen randomly from the population of a Louisiana State prison. The subjects were all scheduled for discharge or work release within 12 months, had IQ's of at least 80, and were able to read at the first grade level. The inmates in the experimental group were tutored in groups of five for 45 minutes twice a week for 18 weeks. Bennett's modification of Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory was used to measure inmates' self esteem. The inmates' mathematical and reading scores were also measured in pretests and posttests. Results showed that the participants gained in both mathematics skills and in self-esteem. Blacks entering the project had lower self-esteem than whites, but gained more in self-esteem during the project. Findings demonstrated the benefits of the educational model used. The extent to which the inmate's relationship with the tutor affected the results should be investigated further. Tables and a list of 14 references are provided.