NCJ Number
196770
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 53 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 112-115
Date Published
September 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article was written to offer teaching strategy suggestions to correctional educators, discussing the topics of expectations and standards, orientation and baseline data, uses of a learning contract, inmate tutors, a success journal, student evaluation, clubs, and fun and games.
Abstract
The self-actualized correctional educator is the target for this article on recommended teaching strategies. In correctional education it is found that attitudes, skills, and knowledge (a reverse order from free-world education) are the essential elements of student learning. Helping students develop positive feelings about themselves and communicating high expectations is among the highest priorities for prison educators. Procedures and steps for conducting student orientation and gathering of student baseline data are outlined. The learning contract approach is discussed as a method of encouraging inmate students to develop an internal locus of control and self-directedness. A success journal is described and recommended to stimulate reflection on the part of inmate students. Tutoring of students by fellow students is discussed with stress placed on the importance of the proper training of tutors. Student evaluations are discussed as being educative and serving as a mechanism for enhancing self-esteem. And club affiliation in the classroom setting is suggested as a means for creating self identification by inmates, and drawing, in particular, is used as an example of a club activity which can lead to job opportunities and other creative endeavors. Using fun and games and competitive team activities, has been found help break up the students' day and make learning fun. In conclusion, it is noted that self-actualized instructors are the best hope for students in correctional institutions as they are best able to withstand the limitations and pressures of working within the correctional educational setting. References