ERIC Number: ED201798
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-May-1
Pages: 99
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Effects of University of Victoria Program: A Post Release Study.
Ayers, Douglas; And Others
The University of Victoria Program offers university-level courses mainly in the humanities and the social sciences to prisoners at Matsqui and Kent Institutions. Within this liberal arts approach there is a structural developmental thrust to promote cognitive and moral development and not simply to provide a general education or job skills. Evaluation showed two types of changes frequently reported by program students. The first had to do with the style of perceiving problems. Students reported that they could now consider issues from several points of view rather than from the single, ego-centric point of view typical of the prisoner. The second type of cognitive change reported was a greater awareness of the purposes and functions of society, its institutions, and the individual's roles in society. Three types of affective changes were reported by program students: a better understanding of one's self and interpersonal relations; expressions of commitment to study and learning; and an increase in self-esteem. A follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the longer term effects of the program on the subjects' lives and attitudes. The evaluation was based on data on the men's background and present life situation, statements by the men concerning the program and its effectiveness, and statistical inferences drawn from both these sources. The study assesses the significance of the reported changes and concludes that the program has had decisive influence with some of the men and has played a key role in encouraging and facilitating change and development in others. (KC)
Descriptors: Academic Education, Adult Education, Affective Behavior, Citizenship Responsibility, Cognitive Processes, Correctional Education, Courses, Higher Education, Individual Development, Liberal Arts, Logical Thinking, Outcomes of Education, Postsecondary Education, Prisoners, Program Effectiveness, Rehabilitation Programs
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Ministry of the Solicitor General, Ottawa (Ontario).
Authoring Institution: Victoria Univ. (British Columbia).
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A