NCJ Number
81807
Journal
Jugendwohl Volume: 61 Issue: 3 Dated: (1980) Pages: 101-108
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The different types of educational opportunities available to inmates of West German prisons, especially the Schwerte Prison and the Pedagogical Center of the Muenster Prison, are described.
Abstract
Education in the prison setting is designed to make up for basic educational deficits, to provide occupational training, and to develop a sense of values, although there is some question as to who should select the values to be taught. Adult education methods are to be used for instruction, and participation is voluntary. On one hand, prison teachers have more freedom in their methods than teachers on the outside. On the other, they face special problems such as student resistance and a very great divergence of ability among students. Training may take the form of special courses, lectures, correspondence courses, and self-instruction. In many cases inmates must gain self-confidence before they can even undertake the prerequisite courses for occupational training. The Schwerte Prison houses 270 inmates, 130 of whom take a core curriculum leading to a more advanced course of study. Classes are offered in 16 subjects, and additional classes are available outside the prison. The Pedagogical Center of the Muenster Prison has 100 places for students who may earn a high school equivalency certificate in 12 months of study. Even older inmates are encouraged to learn, as they are more precise than younger ones even though they learn more slowly. Educational efforts are encouraged as a means of reducing recidivism rates. Tables and notes are supplied.