These lively and stimulating ideas for use in and out of class reinforce active learning. The activities apply to individual or group projects.

14-1:  Explain the medical and food service requirements in prison and how they are typically addressed.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 5 potential challenges with medical services in prison, 5 potential challenges with food services in prison, and potential solutions to each. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  How can small copays for medical services and administrative food adjustments serve as behavioral management? What are potential benefits and potential obstacles to such practices? Discuss in 800-1000 words.

14-2:  Discuss educational programs’ effects on recidivism.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, trace the evolution of educational programs throughout correctional history. Discuss ways in which you would modify modern educational programs in prison.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are an inmate who previously had limited access to education and are now doing well in your education program in prison. How does your success affect your self-esteem, goals for your sentence, and plans for the future? Reflect in 500-800 words.

14-3:  Discuss vocational programs’ effects on recidivism.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, create a diagram and/or outline that demonstrates how vocational programs can improve inmates’ employment opportunities, decrease recidivism, and benefit society.
2. Writing:  Though employment programs have demonstrated benefits for reducing recidivism, many formerly incarcerated people still face obstacles to employment upon their release. Consider these obstacles, and reflect on ways correctional administrators, private employers, and public agencies can collaborate to create stronger pathways from prison vocational training into jobs in the community. Discuss in 1000-1200 words.

14-4:  Identify components of substance abuse treatment in prison.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, design a comprehensive drug treatment program including 5-10 actions, therapeutic components, and logistical considerations for success. Describe how these actions demonstrate important components for drug treatment in prison.
2. Writing:  Given the high proportion of offenders addicted to substances, discuss the importance of drug treatment programs in prison. Consider the relationship between drug use and crime, and how treatment can be extended upon release. Discuss in 800-1000 words.

14-5:  Describe some of the concerns for administrators with different types of recreational programming.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, create 3-5 scenarios involving recreational programming in prison. Portray benefits of recreation as well as positive staff supervision and interaction to prevent and/or alleviate concerns.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a staff member supervising a recreational program of your choice. Describe the program as well as your goals for it, potential challenges, and your role. Reflect in 800-1000 words.

14-6:  Identify some of the legal issues associated with religious programming in prisons.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, imagine you are a team of correctional administrators who must appropriately designate limited space for several groups of inmates who wish to have various religious services. Discuss potential challenges and solutions that might engage volunteers or chaplains. Devise a plan.
2. Writing:  Research shows that individuals who participate in religious programming have fewer infractions and lower re-arrest rates. Reflect on potential reasons why this is and how religious and interfaith centers might also aid reentry efforts. Discuss in 800-1000 words.