Learning behind bars: education in prisons

Bhatti, Ghazala (2010) Learning behind bars: education in prisons. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26 (1), 31-36. (doi:10.1016/j.tate.2009.06.020).

Abstract

This article is based on the negotiated meanings of ‘teaching’ and learning’ in prisons. It is informed by
the peripheral experiences of prisoners and the legitimate peripheral participation of their teachers. It
was found that teachers and students are interdependent and feel equally marginalized. The positions
occupied by teachers make legitimate peripheral participation (Lave & Wenger, 1991) possible though it
is restricted within limits imposed by their place of work. The research, based on in-depth interviews of
four teachers explores the challenges facing both teachers and their students. Concerns about prisoners’
dignity, their human rights, entitlement to education and recognition of their learning difficulties are
voiced against a culture of acquiescence and unquestioning obedience demanded by the prison regime
outside the education classes

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