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

8-1:  Discuss the history and development of classification processes in corrections.

1. Practicum:  Imagine you are a team of prison administrators aiming to improve your current classification system. In groups of 3-5, outline what your classification system would look like.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, discuss how the need for classification in corrections became increasingly apparent and how modern classifications serve correctional systems.

8-2:  Identify the legal rationale for classifications.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, document the evolution of court cases that established legal rationale for classifications in corrections.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, discuss the ways in which classification can improve quality of life in prison and decrease legal liabilities.

8-3:  State the main goals of classification systems.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, outline the goals of classification and specific examples of how classification can accomplish these goals. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are an inmate who realizes that there are various privileges for good behavior. How do you feel about this classification system and potential for privileges? Are you motivation and/or willing to adjust your behavior for the process? Reflect in 800-1000 words.

8-4:  Identify different custody levels and the methods used for housing assignments and reclassification.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, imagine you are a classification team reviewing an inmate’s file for potential reclassification. What key factors will you consider?
2. Writing:  Imagine you are recommending an inmate be reclassified to a lower security level. What are your hopes and concerns with this reclassification?

8-5:  Describe the different categories of special housing assignments.

1. Debate:  In groups of 4-6, debate the benefits and challenges of administrative segregation. Consider the purpose of this special housing, costs, and implications for inmates.
2. Writing:  In 800-1000 words, reflect on the significant rate of drug use amongst inmates. Consider recidivism, rehabilitation, and public health concerns, as well as how public officials and law enforcement officials address substance abuse in prison and the communities.

8-6:  Discuss how classification processes are central to prison service operations.

1.Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, create 3-5 scenarios that might occur in a prison without an effective classification system. Then discuss how classification might remedy obstacles portrayed in these scenarios.
2.Writing:  From an inmate’s perspective, discuss the benefits and potential challenges with classification. Reflect in 800-1000 words.