Prison education: theory and practice between realism and idealism

PRISON EDUCATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE BETWEEN REALISM AND IDEALISM

Who is this course for?

Prison belongs to the most dystopian environments, to those we would never like to be. Unfortunately, they are still in operation. How can they become more “eutopian”? Is education a tool worth using? And in what ways is this possible? This course is aimed at prison and adult educators, and other staff of non-government organizations, government and policy makers as well as students and all those who are interested in this neglected field of action. Everyone else with sensitivity for it is also welcome. The course will focus on what prison education is (considered to be), how it is practiced and how it can be improved. Participants are expected to have at least B1 level of English proficiency

Methodology

Methodology of the course is based on theoretical lessons and more practical activities aimed at stimulating reflective discussions and experience comparisons. It doesn’t matter, if the participants do not have any experience. Participants will learn about the field of prison education in terms of past and present situation and as globally as possible. They will also learn about the best ways for prisoners to be educated in order to move from social exclusion. Other tools used will consist of on the field activities, reflection and evaluation.

Outcomes

Learn about the social institution of prison
Learn about approaches and theories of criminality, incarceration, recidivism, rehabilitation and penitentiary system
Learn about the prison education in the past and the present
Identify the most suitable ways of educating incarcerated people
Developing communication, collaboration, presentation, problem solving, negotiation, critical and creative thinking skills.
Improve English fluency (official language of the course).
Promote intercultural awareness.
Improve work in penitentiary systems
Strengthen the European collaboration among people involved in adult education in different contexts.
Provide insights into different education systems.

Preparation

After registration participants will receive pre-course questionnaire which will be used by the trainer to learn about participants’ teaching backgrounds and to assess their exact needs. Before the beginning of the course a basic reading list will be suggested to participants to prepare for the training. Participants will also be asked to prepare a presentation about themselves, their professional context and their culture. The presentation will be presented on the first day of the course to facilitate networking opportunities. Participants will receive information about the country they are going to visit in order to prepare them for their cultural experience.

5 days programme (25 hours)

course sessions (Monday to Friday)

Introduction of participants, outline of the programme, warm ups and ice breakers
Overview of important concepts like: institution of prison, criminality, incarceration, recidivism, rehabilitation and penitentiary system
Teaching practices suitable for prison education
Educational visits
Examples and case studies
Individual support
Presentation of outcomes, discussion, evaluation and closing session

cultural and social programme

Teambilding and networking activities
City tour or a cultural trip

Follow up

After the course participants will be asked to share what they have learned with the rest of the staff in their schools. Further books and articles to deepen the topic and contacts with some other practitioners all over Europe and in the world will be suggested by the trainer. The methods shared and explored and the bibliography given will allow the participants to complete and improve their educational path.

CERTIFICATE

Each participant will get a course attendance certificate and we will validate the acquired competences on the Europass Mobility upon request. Please note that we have a paperless policy and all the documents will be delivered in digital form.

COURSE FEE

The course fee is 80 € per day. It includes tuition and materials, cultural and social programme, support in preparation and all the administrative work. There are no additional costs or hidden fees. After registration, you will receive a pro-forma invoice which you will have to pay by bank transaction. You will receive the invoice after you attend the course.

SUBSISTENCE

The course fee doesn't include accommodation and meals and participants are responsible to organize them on their own. In some locations we might be able to recommend or organize subsistence for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us to inquire about any specific location.

REGISTRATION

You can submit a non-biding registration and we will reserve a place for you until you are ready to confirm your participation. cancellations are free until you pay the course fee.