Inmate Education as a Service Learning Opportunity for Students: Preparation, Benefits, and Lessons Learned

Authors

Cheryl L. Meyer, Wright State University - Main CampusFollow
Megan K. Harned, Wright State University - Main CampusFollow
Amanda Schaad, Wright State University - Main CampusFollow
Katherine Sunder, Wright State University - Main Campus
Judson Palmer, Wright State University - Main CampusFollow
Christy Tinch

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-4-2016

Find this in a Library

Catalog Record

Abstract

There is mounting evidence that prison inmates benefit from educational opportunities but may not be offered to them. In addition, when they are offered, priority is given to prisoners who will be released in the near future, and those serving long-term or life sentences are less likely to have access to classes. A service learning opportunity was created where students taught a life span development class to women serving long-term sentences. This article provides a guide to setting up the class while avoiding obstacles along the way. It also outlines benefits to students, inmates, supervising faculty, and society. In order to teach, students must apply what they have learned, and the prison experience challenges them to consider their power and privilege.

Repository Citation

Meyer, C. L., Harned, M. K., Schaad, A., Sunder, K., Palmer, J., & Tinch, C. (2016). Inmate Education as a Service Learning Opportunity for Students: Preparation, Benefits, and Lessons Learned. Teaching of Psychology, 43 (2), 120-125.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/sopp/64

DOI

10.1177/0098628316636278