Discovering Learning Potentials in the Work Process: An Analysis of Work Structures and Work Tasks Using the Example of Prison Officers

Abstract

Prisons are in a state of constant institutional change, marked by extensive development processes. The subject of different studies is the analysis of development processes in prisons, for which suitable strategies of organizational and personnel development are required. In this context, the area of further vocational training is of particular importance, whereby this should be based primarily on the training of the prison officers. The research question that arises is how to combine work and learning in a meaningful way. The contribution will focus on the results of own empirically determined possibilities for the use of work structures e.g. rotation and conference system which are both conducive to learning but also conflict-prone. The further systematization of the work tasks of prison officers has the purpose of presenting their varied and demanding professional profile. So far, too little attention has been paid to this aspect, although this area has considerable potential for the successful implementation of development processes. In this context, work-related learning means a conceptual development geared to all hierarchical groups of prison staff, which is oriented towards current work problems and conflicts solution. The complex methodology includes 42 expert interviews, 51 workplace observations and 8 group discussions in three Saxon prisons in Germany, which were evaluated with the qualitative content analysis. The results of the study will show how learning processes can be designed according to pedagogical insights to make learning content of work structures and work tasks in prisons more consciously. In conclusion it is essential to establish that only networked work and further training structures to develop the prisons into a learning organization in the long term and at a high level. Keywords: Prison staff; learning counselling, learning support; Competence development, learning organization