Balancing structure and learning in an open prison

Abstract

Leira Prison is a branch of Trondheim Prison, functioning as a relatively small, open prison with a maximum capacity of only 29 inmates. Leira Prison applies the method ‘consequence pedagogy.’ This article aims to pinpoint how consequence pedagogy is executed at Leira. 50% of the Leira inmates are released back into society, while new ones enter the prison. It is therefore interesting to see how they balance structure and at the same time adjust to changes, enabling Leira Prison to continue as a learning organization. This article identifies three items, consequence pedagogy and the view of humans, maintenance of the philosophy and coherence in the community, and selfregulation of justice through interaction. The use of consequence pedagogy is deeply aligned to their positive view of humans and has generated a constructive organization based on empowerment and involvement of both staff and inmates. Consequently, management, staff and inmates maintain the philosophy of consequence pedagogy through interaction and self-regulation. However, questions regarding the fundamentals of the consequence pedagogy are not raised.