ADHD in the Classroom

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