ADHD in the classroom – I would recommend this article in Tomorrow’s Professor, I thought the teaching approach suggestions could apply to most students. It is important and necessary to know that ADD can be present in adult learners, too.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its symptoms are defined in this article. In general some attributes to a student with ADHD are inattention (forgetful, easily distracted, difficulty organizing and following instructions, difficulty sustaining attention), hyperactivity (fidgety, leaves classroom, restless, difficulty working independently, talkative), impulsivity (interrupts, intrudes, can’t wait turn, blurts out).
Classroom suggestions based on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are presented. UDL is a limitless curricula which recognizes that diverse learners need multiple/differing teaching approaches. These are the presented suggestions, in short:
Document Design suggestions:
- Short, easy to read objectives
- Bullet points can be used
- Ample blank lines/white space for writing/note taking
- Hierarchical organization
- Colorful illustrations
Interactive Teaching suggestions:
- Encourage critical analysis/comprehension check
- Case studies and panel discussions (in classroom and online forums)
- Encourage restructuring of existing ideas/projects (strengthens “holistic thinking”)
- Encourage collaborative/interactive assignments (understanding that today’s learners prefer to network with others)
- Provide feedback
Some online resources from the article:
UDL
http://www.udlcenter.org/implementation/postsecondary
ADDitude (2013)
http://www.additudemag.com/resource-center/adhd-college-success.html
National Resource Center on AD/HD (2013)
http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/wwk
Some additional online resources:
Fact Sheet for Parents & Families: Talking to your Child’s Teacher About ADHD
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ext/Dcmnt?ncid=520701313
Managing Adult ADHD – Handout
https://www.uvm.edu/medicine/ahec/documents/ADHDAdulthandout20130322.pdf
The Best Software and Gadgets for ADHD Students
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/6585.html
Helping Children and Teens with ADHD Succeed at School
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-and-school.htm
Reference
http://cgi.stanford.edu/~dept-ctl/tomprof/posting.php?ID=1328