Active Learning Methods
Blind Lead
Often in care situations there is a clear division between the person doing the caring and the person on the receiving end. The exercise Blind Lead enables people to experience both sides of this relationship so that the implications for care can be discussed. In the launch events for Connect in Care we use this as a preparation exercise.
Instructions 1
Everyone find a partner.
Identify each as A or B
(You will need to demonstrate the following instructions with someone willing!)
All As close your eyes and hold your hands out in front of you.
Bs gently take hold of As fingertips.
On the word GO from the facilitator As slowly lead your partner round the room. Move at a speed they find comfortable, be aware of other couples, furniture etc.
Do this in SILENCE (this is very important).
When the facilitator says STOP you stop.
GO/STOP
All As continue to keep your eyes closed.
Bs find another partner and gently take hold of their fingertips.
Bs DO NOT open your eyes to find out who your new partner is!
On the word GO from the facilitator As slowly lead your partner round the room.
GO/STOP
All As continue to keep your eyes closed.
Bs find another partner and gently take hold of their fingertips.
Bs DO NOT open your eyes to find out who your new partner is!
On the word GO from the facilitator As slowly lead your partner round the room.
STOP
All As open your eyes.
Debrief
What was the experience like for As?
What was the experience like for Bs?
Instructions 2
Now swap round.
Bs stand where you are, with eyes closed and arms outstretched.
On the word GO from the facilitator As slowly lead your partner round the room.
Repeat twice as before.
Debrief
What was the experience like for Bs?
What was the experience like for As?
Common points people make:
About being led:I hated this, I felt scared.
I was really aware of smells and noise.
I felt unsafe when moving from one surface to another (e.g. from carpet to lino).
I was pulling back, not wanting to be led.
I felt safer when my hands were held firmly.
About being the leader:
I didn’t like not being able to check out with my partner whether she was OK.
I was very aware of my responsibility.
About applying the learning from one experience to the other:
When I was being led I felt safer when my partner held my hands firmly, so that’s what I did when I was being the leader.
