A Note on Contextualization

I can’t improve much on Patricia Lynne’s content. Her focus on writing as an intellectual practice resonates with my own pedagogy in the prison classroom. I’ve kept the majority of the author’s text original.

What I add is a contextual edition that speaks directly to students who are incarcerated and are navigating the world of academics without face-to-face interaction from a professor or fellow students. I have designed the course College Preparatory Reading and Writing specifically for use by students enrolled at Adams State University in the Prison Education Program.

My experiences as an educator in prison spaces have taught me the importance of contextualization, contextualization specifically to address the challenges for adult learners trying to succeed inside a prison.

I added necessary commentary for both co-learners, those inside and outside prison walls. I also change or tweak cultural artifacts throughout the text that will apply to the unique learning environment.

Education is evolution, but not just in the academic sense. This places too high an emphasis on the elitism ever-present in higher education. Like Patricia, I believe education should be as close to free, if not completely free, universally, but especially for those on the margins of society without the privilege so many of us enjoy.

Lastly, I believe building a community to repair harm and create a more just society is what humans are meant to do. We do this best when our relationships are inclusive, honest, vulnerable, and reciprocal.