NCJ Number
216077
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 195-208
Date Published
September 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of narrative/storytelling as a teaching strategy for inmates in the literacy curriculum within the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Abstract
Overall, the findings suggest that the use of narrative/storytelling can be a creative and valuable teaching strategy in adult correctional populations. Results from the interviews suggested that the narrative teaching strategy helped to: (1) develop a stronger teacher-student connection; (2) validate student experiences; and (3) allow for the development of critical thinking. Observational data indicated that students needed time to bond and build trust with one another in a classroom setting, but once this occurred they were able to acknowledge they needed the help and encouragement of others to get through life. The author also noted that the student’s writing skills improved over the 6-week study period and that, surprisingly, students learned social skills through the act of storytelling. Three research methods were used to determine the effectiveness of narrative/storytelling as a teaching strategy: (1) literature review; (2) interviews with practitioners in the field of corrections; and (3) a personal observation journal. References