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

[Dianne Hemphill]

Hi Susan and all - an earlier note from David Andrews requesting peer reviewers  for the NFB Journal of Blindness, Innovation and Research provides how to register to gain access and  be a user of the on-line journal. If you are unable to find this earlier message, I'll forward it to you. Also, I found useful insights in James Onvig's book, Freedom for the Blind. Because SDL is based on adult learning principles  and practical teaching approaches for adults, info on this training should be available in books and other resources  on the  subject.  The Braille Monitor, as well has provided info on the subject, though I cannot give you a list at this point- perhaps, someone knows how to do such a search and can forward a list of relevant articles . Also, I recall reading a report written by Chris Boone, a number of years ago within info provided to  RSA  research reports - again, maybe someone can pull this out of the archives. Also, there should be research info from Dr. Ruby Riles and  Dr. Bell who directs the Master training programs in Louisianna Tech programs for O and M, and other programs focusing on training and certification for teach ing blind folks- this is an NFB approved and supported program.   Perhaps someone can help pull relevant resources together for our study...anyone out there that can /will do this for us? Though I did not have the opportunity to actually go through SDL training, I have made significant time and energy, throughout my years in rehab, to learn the training approaches and practical application - I know the difference between the two and know how fortunate we are to have the NFB Centers and a handful of state facilities that employ this approach.  You can see the difference between the NFB members as a whole and their approach to life and others in less enlightened organizations.  Dianne

On Mar 20, 2012, at 10:33 PM, Susan Tabor wrote:

> Hi, Dianne:
> 
> I too would find such a discussion useful for a variety of reasons.  Where
> may I
> Find good reading material? Thanks!
> Susan
> -----Original Message-----
> From: home-on-the-range-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:home-on-the-range-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dianne Hemphill
> Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 8:52 PM
> To: NFB of Kansas Internet Mailing List
> Subject: [Home-on-the-range] discussion about SDL
> 
> 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
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