We started on time (ish...baby steps) again today, AND we got to be in the classroom because GED class was canceled. Woohoo!
Today we started out class with a check in. We asked the group members to share one thing they learned from last class, and we also asked them to share any other programming that they attended at the jail as well as what additional programming they want/need.
Sadly, none of the guys participates in any other programming (which is mostly religious, by the way. Eighty percent of programming at the jails is faith-based). Their interest in programming, however, was high. Most of the guys said they wanted more physical activities, and some mentioned wanting art classes or a nutritional program.
Their frustration with the lack of options was evident. Ellie and I want to work to consolidate a lot of the religious programming to make room for more in-demand and evidence-based programs. Our group also seemed as frustrated as we are with the chain of command necessary to get anything done, and the miscommunication and wasted time that comes along with it.
This week we continued to break up into two smaller groups headed by each of us. This seems to be the most successful thing we've done. There are a couple of guys in class who are somewhat shy and hesitant to speak up, but when we work with them in a smaller group, they light up and are eager to share in a more intimate environment. Especially in a jail or prison setting, we definitely recommend this approach, as we have seen the best results from it. The guys talk more, retain more information, and are more actively involved in their own learning processes.
As we were working in small groups, I began to realize just how much I'm going to miss these guys. We work hard, but we also have moments where we just need to blow off some steam and joke around, or just spend a minute talking about something other than TEP. Today we talked about some of the guys' tattoos and what they meant to them, and we also told some funny stories from previous jobs. I noticed that after we took those little breaks (even if it was just 30 seconds to crack a joke or say something witty), they were so much more focused on the material when we got back to it.
Those little moments mean so much to me, because it gives me a glimpse into their lives. Almost all of the guys in our class are fathers, and it makes me so happy to hear about how they care for their children and enjoy the responsibility; family seems to be a huge motivating factor for them. I also love hearing all of their insights, because it reminds me to stay humble—I'm not above my students. They are such smart, articulate, funny, nice guys who made a mistake (or, sometimes, several mistakes) that landed them in corrections. We hope that we can bolster their motivation and help them see that they have all of these wonderful characteristics that can help them succeed in life if they keep working hard.
Another thing we've realized is how much the guys like being introspective and learning about themselves. Like I said, they're already intelligent. They know about job applications and resumes and cover letters and all that boring stuff (it's disappointing sometimes to realize just how remedial employment programming is). What they seem to really benefit from are things like a learning style (VARK) test or a discussion about their weaknesses and least favorite jobs. From this, they can learn what work environment and supervision style is best for them and how they can succeed and overcome barriers. We are going to incorporate several more "quiz" and discussion-provoking activities in the rest of the trial as well as during the study groups once they begin.
To send our guys off on a fun note, we are going to give each group member an envelope on the last day of class and have everyone write notes to each other. I was inspired by the senior send off in my high school choir. Every year, we would make bags for the seniors and decorate them and leave them notes about how they inspired us, or write down a favorite memory, or wish them luck. I thought it might be nice to do something similar for our group. It totally sucks that we can't follow up with them at all after the program or once they're released, so having something to remember us, each other, and their time in the group by could be a nice keepsake and a pick-me-up later on.
This activity will be a part of our closing. In any helping profession, when you are getting near the end of your time with a client, you want to take some time to talk to them about how you're both feeling about letting go. It's also vital to leave the client with confidence. I truly have all the confidence in the world in our guys, and we are going to take the time to tell them that and write them notes as well. I so wish that we could follow our little cubs out into the world, but unfortunately we have to let them go. And, more than all of our frustrations and set backs, that will be the hardest thing to do.
Until next time,
E & K
No comments:
Post a Comment