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

5-1:  Discuss how probation impacts the jail and prison systems of a jurisdiction.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, create a diagram that demonstrates how the probation system interacts with other aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, jail, and prison. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, discuss how the probation system relates to other aspects of corrections, including jail and prison systems. Consider both the challenges and opportunities the probation system presents.

            5-2:  Describe briefly the history of probation.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 2-4, document the reasons behind probation’s use today. Discuss how these purposes relate to its original intent.
2. Writing:  Probation was innovated during the Temperance Movement.  In 800-1000 words, discuss how history impacts the correctional system. Consider also a more recent example.

5-3:  Compare different means by which probation agencies are organized.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, create 3-5 scenarios in which the defense attorney, prosecutor, and probation agency provide suggestions to the judge for sentencing. The judge should issue a sentence based on this input and provide reasoning. Consider factors which might vary sentencing between scenarios.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a probation officer conducting a presentence investigation report. In 1000-1200 words, reflect on this responsibility, including a tentative plan to complete the report as well as concerns and goals you have for it.

5-4:  Identify the qualifications and characteristics of most probation officers.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, create a scenario in which an offender is meeting with his or her probation officer. Reenact the scenario several times in order to portray the differences between how paternal, punitive, welfare, and passive probation officers would handle the situation.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are the head of a probation department, planning to create both training standards and caseload management guidelines for your staff. Discuss the challenges and opportunities with these tasks, and potential ways you will complete them.

5-5:  List some of the reasons probation would be revoked.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 7-10 concrete actions probation officers can take to help their clients not reoffend. Consider factors such as employment and economic obstacles people face after prison, as well as non-profit or publicly-funded opportunities such as substance abuse treatment or job training programs. Discuss with the class reasons for why people reoffend and how these steps might help prevent reoffending.  
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a judge considering whether or not to revoke an offender’s probation conditions. What would be your primary considerations, as well as hopes and concerns regarding your sentence? Discuss in 1000-1200 words.