The Lorton Prison College program uses small group teaching techniques to promote full student involvement and expression. Instead of packaging knowledge in factual questions with right or wrong answers, teachers expose students to higher order questioning strategies that require high levels of cognition, including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Courses in humanities and social science provide a philosophical foundation for viewing life situations. A survey of graduates of the program shows that a majority consider the program to have produced a measurable positive impact on their lives. By giving students the tools to assess their lives from a new rational perspective, students gain a new ability to direct their lives according to insights acquired through education. Rather than feeling manipulated or acted upon in an attempt to modify their behaviors, students have a sense of self-actualization as they participate in the management of their own growth and change. 6 references. (Author abstract modified)