[Home-on-the-range] discussion about SDL

[Dianne Hemphill]

Hello all - I just listened to an important article regarding research in the NFB's journal of research providing  analysis of the use of problem solving techniques used in the training approach that the NFB uses in their very effective training model referred to as "Structured Discovery". I think it is important for us, as federationist, to be able to provide a clear description of how SDL is different from "traditional" rehabilitation training approaches. I do not find many who are able to do so...so wonder if this would be a good time to provide a forum n for this here at home-on-the-range. Some of you out there have experienced both training based on traditional "guided" teaching methodology and the SDL approach. Perhaps you  can help provide some clarifications of how  these two approaches differ in both philosophy and actual  training  methods. Many of you will have questions that those who have a broader understanding of both models, that could help clarify the differences between the two and why one fosters greater confidence based on the ability to apply problem solving skills to the many unstructured problems we face throughout our day. 

I would really like for everyone to participate in this discussion so that the NFBK can better understand the significance of the "structured discovery" teaching method. To get us going, here are some sample questions that I have heard from people trying to figure out how these two approaches differ:
1. How do these two approaches differ in philosophy?
2. Who determines what knowledge , skills and training opportunities are offered? ...   the adult student or the instructor/professional? ...and are these different in comparing the two models? 
3. What is the significance of an approach based on a combination of both structure and discovery and is this really different from guided learning? If so, how? 
4. What is significant about asking the adult student questions rather than providing a clear, concise answer to their questions? 
 5.  Why does SDL force the adult student to use the long, white cane at all times if they have some useful vision? Some think that if you have any vision you should use it until you don't have any left...in fact, there are those, including low-vision doctors that believe that it is a gross misuse of tax-payers dollars to provide training to those with any any useful vision at all!
 6.  of course, why should the adult student going through formal training be expected to wear sleep shades during the training? This last question gets to the heart  of the disagreements that have long  divided many a rehab system, their staff/teachers and consumer organizations. 

I would like for everyone to get involved in this one, if you would - everyone's input and questions are relevant here. This whole training approach has been one of the most controversial subjects in the rehab community that I can recall. And yet with the majority of those receiving their formal rehab training from a traditional program resulting in greater than 70 percent of us never becoming employed or being significantly underemployed...one would  think  the time for a change in rehab training methods are long over due.  So if you have questions or comments on this topic, I think that the NFBK would be b better prepared in the future to help others better understand why "structured discovery learning" is so highly regarded and supported by the NFB.  We can all learn from each other from such a discussion...Dianne