A “pedagogy of discomfort” in combined classrooms in prison

• In Event: 3423 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Table 12: Teaching Inside-Out and On the Inside: College Classrooms in Prison

Abstract

Combined classes, also known as “inside-out” classes, have emerged as a component of prison higher education programs across the United States, bringing undergraduates from “outside” together with incarcerated students inside prisons. These classes provide a context in which to encourage dialogue and exchange of ideas between the non-incarcerated and the incarcerated. In a political climate fraught with challenges to democracy and ongoing racial and economic injustice, the pedagogy of combined classes narrows in on the role of equity, inclusion, and cross-cultural exchange for addressing widespread social and institutional inequities. This roundtable discussion will explore emergent voices of combined class student participants, focusing on what Boler calls a “pedagogy of discomfort,” that involves entering difficult conversations that invoke pain, shame, anger, and distrust in combined classrooms, but that can ultimately facilitate a learning environment oriented to social justice insights. Faculty and students will share their experiences of participating in combined classes inside a maximum security prison for women, and how dialogue and cultural exchange between these ordinarily separated student populations might expand public perceptions and understanding about social justice and injustice. Audience members who are interested in exploring the potential for this unique pedagogy to contribute to the socially responsive and civically minded mission of education, and respond to the need for criminal justice reform will benefit from the discussion of this practice and its impacts on students.

Authors

• Michelle A. Ronda, City University of New York-Borough of Manhattan Community College

• Ragnhild Utheim, SUNY Purchase College

• Stella Keitel, Marymount Manhattan College

• Pamela Kirsch, Marymount Manhattan College