Narrative Inquiry of Incarcerated Inmate's
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NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF INCARCERATED INMATE’S PERCEPTIONS OF EDUCATION AND THE INFLUENCE ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY by Tom Hallquist A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement Middle Tennessee State University May 2019 Dissertation Committee: Dr. Kevin Krahenbuhl, Chair Dr. Gary Kiltz Dr. John Lando Carter ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to the women and men who are and have been incarcerated and have willingly participated in this research to allow me to share their experiences in order to make a difference in the lives of others. I am extremely grateful to the faculty and staff of Middle Tennessee State University, especially Dr. Rick Vanosdall for the guidance and support in this journey. I appreciate my committee Dr. Kevin Krahenbuhl, Dr. Gary Kiltz, and Dr. Lando Carter for their patience and advice by demanding more than what is expected. I also want to thank Julie Haun-Frank for her support and guidance. Cohort 3 of the ALSI doctoral program has been a tremendous benefit by supplying support and encouragement. I also want to thank the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, especially Paul Mulloy and Tiffany Manning for their encouragement and assistance. I personally want to thank Dr. Lacey Benns, Dr. Tom Flagel, and Dr. Candace Warner from Columbia State Community College and Dr. Mary Vaughn and Dr. Nathan Webb from Belmont University for their encouragement in this endeavor. I want to also thank Dr. Leta Frazier and Phil Frazier from Bethel University for believing in me and encouraging me to pursue a career in education and introducing me to the importance of an “I – Thou” experience. Finally, I want to thank my relatives and friends, especially my wife Wesley Ann and my daughters, Katie and Annie for their understanding and patience throughout this incredible ordeal. ii ABSTRACT The purpose of this narrative research is to develop an understanding of the mindset of the incarcerated individual towards education and if the experience had an impact on criminal activity. By understanding the mindset, research questions and solutions can be developed that will have the greatest impact on a course of action in deterring criminal behavior. If one can determine the main problems and narrow the list to the ones that could potentially be solved, then one can develop meaningful questions and establish a clear and concise purpose for the framework of prevention. In discussing the problems within the educational system, one must consider the possible nature of the initial problems and the effects they have on those prone to incarceration. The focus of this study was to develop a foundation for further research in educational experiences of inmates and to develop an awareness of the impact teachers and administrators have on students and potentially create the importance of positive interactions on influencing future behavior and actions. In addition, this research project may change the mindset of inmates, so they can be released back into society and have a positive impact on the community. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................... x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH..................................................................1 Context ......................................................................................................................................2 Statement of Problem ................................................................................................................3 Purpose of the Study ...............................................................................................................11 Research Questions .................................................................................................................12 Overview of Present Conditions in Relation to the Research Question .................................13 Significance of the Study ........................................................................................................14 Conceptual Framework ...........................................................................................................14 Definition of Terms and Abbreviations ..................................................................................15 Limitations ..............................................................................................................................17 Delimitations ...........................................................................................................................19 Theoretical Design ..................................................................................................................20 Summary .................................................................................................................................22 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................23 Instructional Learning ..............................................................................................................24 Motivation .....................................................................................................................30 Mindset .........................................................................................................................36 Institutional Educational Programs ...............................................................................39 International Perspective ...............................................................................................43 iv Societal Perspective ......................................................................................................44 Societal Priorities ..........................................................................................................47 Societal Influences ........................................................................................................49 Public K-12 Experience ................................................................................................52 Summary ..................................................................................................................................55 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................56 Introduction .............................................................................................................................56 Context ....................................................................................................................................56 Setting ...........................................................................................................................57 Participants ....................................................................................................................58 Selection of Participants ...............................................................................................58 Pilot Study ...............................................................................................................................60 Focus Group Sample of Responses from the Pilot Study .............................................62 Research Design.......................................................................................................................65 Narrative Research ........................................................................................................67 Research Question ...................................................................................................................69 Overview of Present Conditions in Relation to the Research Question .......................70 Procedures of Understanding Basic Principles .............................................................70 Rationale .......................................................................................................................73 Data Collection ........................................................................................................................74 Focus Group Design .....................................................................................................75 Interview Process ..........................................................................................................75 v Data Analysis ...........................................................................................................................76 First Cycle Analysis ......................................................................................................79 Second Cycle Analysis .................................................................................................79 Researcher’s Role ....................................................................................................................81 Trustworthiness .............................................................................................................83 Reflexivity.....................................................................................................................84 Ethical Considerations ..................................................................................................85