Learning Behind Prison Bars: University Students and Prisoners’ Experiences of Studying Together

Reflecting on the Delivery of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Indeed, this type of learning experience can also be understood as being based on Freirean dialogic principles whereby learning is achieved through dialogue and a mutual appreciation of stakeholders within dialogue as knowledge-bearers. The philosophy of IOPEP is built on dialogic principles, taking away formal and traditional methods of pedagogy, and substituting it with experience and applied knowledge (Martinovic and Liddell, 2020;Antojado et al, 2023).…”

“…Despite these modifi cations due to the pandemic, all 15 outside and 15 inside students met weekly during a semester, enabling students to build rapport and professional relationships with each other. Research has indicated that inside and outside students quickly create a positive and collaborative learning environment that induces knowledge-building through conversations, discussions, and debates (see Martinovic and Liddell, 2020;Martinovic et al, 2018). Inside students share stories about their experiences with the criminal justice system, allowing outside students to gain a deeper understanding of their criminal justice involvement.…”

“…Inside students share stories about their experiences with the criminal justice system, allowing outside students to gain a deeper understanding of their criminal justice involvement. On the other hand, outside students provide inside students with theoretical knowledge and perspectives that help inside students better understand the system they are fi rst-hand experiencing (see Martinovic and Liddell, 2020;Martinovic et al, 2018). Martinovic and Liddell (2019) found that students graduating from the IOPEP engendered more compassion and empathy towards those entangled within the criminal justice system.…”