UTREDNING AV YRKESUTBILDNING I FINSKA FÄNGELSER Research on vocational education and training implemented in Finnish prisons 11.5.2011 Liisa Metsola liisa.metsola@oph.fi
PRESENT STATE OF THE PRISON EDUCATION IN FINLAND Education and training supply Basic education General upper secondary education Rehabilitative instruction and guidance for the disabled Preparatory education for vocational training Vocational education and training (VET) VET for adults Apprenticeship training Short courses (hygiene proficiency, ICT etc.)
eg. TRAINING SUPPLY IN VET Catering Cleaning services Construction Crafts and design Forestry Maintenance Metal work and machinery Surface treatment Upholstery Vehicle technology Wood work
RESEARCH ON PRISON EDUCATION Previous research was completed in 2006 The present research is financed by the National Board of Education in Finland Includes a two-day, national seminar on prison education The research will be finished by the end of the year 2011 Coordinated by Luovi Vocational College
NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH - Prisoners possibilities to participate in education and training should be developed - Development of teaching methods - Recognition and validation of prior learning - Investment in education and training - Development of quality - Evaluation of impact
WHAT SHOULD VOCATIONAL PRISON EDUCATION BE LIKE? - According to the student s needs - Individual - Flexible - Versatile - According to the national curriculum - Takes into account prior learning - Possibility to continue studies after prison sentence - Aims at employment in the future
RESEARCH ON PRISON EDUCATION Questionnaires for Education providers (also high school, adult education and folk high school) Prison staff Prisoners Interviewed Persons responsible for prison education in prisons Prison guidance counsellors
QUESTIONS FOR EDUCATION PROVIDERS Who is the initiator of the education? Is the education and training planned together? Where do the education providers get information about the changes in criminal sanction s field and needs in/for prison education? Are the prison education issues visible in education provider s strategies?
QUESTIONS FOR EDUCATION PROVIDERS Co-operation with the prisons? Is the individual education plan consistent with the plans made in prison? Facilities and equipment? Used teaching methods? Qualifications and competences of prison teaching staff? Financing of the prison education?
QUESTIONS FOR PRISON STAFF Why the particular edcuation or training is organized in the prison? Where do the prison staff find out about the content and implementation and used methods of training? Who suggests/recommends the prisoner into education or training? Are the prisoners own hopes and wishes taken into account? Planning of the education and training?
QUESTIONS FOR PRISON STAFF Co-operation with the education provider? What kind of support do the prisoners need in their studies? Learning environments? Equipment, materials and methods? Teaching staff? How is the prison staff involved in teaching?
QUESTIONS FOR PRISONERS Background information, for example, about the previous studies Why don t you study during your prison sentence? What do you study in prison? What is your motivation to study? Learning environment, materials, methods? Do you have diagnosed learning difficulties? Work experience? Hopes and wishes for the future?
OTHER NATIONAL ONGOING PROJECTS DEALING WITH DEVELOPMENT OF PRISON EDUCATION Vankilaopetusta verkossa Prison education through internet and blended learning (ESF) Development of teaching methods utilizing internet and blended learning in prison Tekemällä oppii - Learning by doing (ESF) Creating a network that has skills and competences to guide and assist prisoners in their studies and employment processes Good practices in prison education Development of prison education to better meet the needs of the prisoners