Approaches to ADHD in Education

Foot tapping, leg bouncing, pencil tapping, desk drumming, humming, leaving the desk, and other movements can be extremely disruptive in a traditional classroom. But, what if I told you that this frigidity student is doing this involuntarily due to a learning disorder called Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder?

This week in CEP 812, we researched specific learning disorders and struggles that educators must be aware of to approach instruction. The learning disorder I researched was Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). This is a learning disorder that I see when teaching in many sections I teach. This disorder is very prevalent in our society, but it can be combatted with effective instruction if the teacher understands the impact on the student.

This week, we were tasked with outlining the key facts about what is understood about the learning disability. We were then supposed to research strategies and solutions for the problems that this learning disorder brings to the classroom. And finally, we were to find a technology tool that can help supplement instruction and support instruction  for this learning challenge.

The technology tool I chose to use is: Text2MindMap.com. This tool is a way to turn a list of terms or notes into a visual aid. This is helpful for students with ADHD because of their inability to organize their thoughts. This tool is helpful in making connections of concepts, prewriting for an essay, and studying notes. 

Here is my Screencast about the use and benefits of Text2MindMap in classrooms with students with ADHD. 

Click Here to view my Essay.

 

References:

DeRuvo, S. L. (2009). Strategies for teaching adolescents with ADHD: Effective classroom techniques across the content areas. San Francisco, Calif: Jossey-Bass.

Wheeler, L. (2010). The ADHD toolkit. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Brock, S. E., Jimerson, S. R., & Hansen, R. L. (2009). Identifying, assessing, and treating ADHD at school. Dordrecht: Springer.

Nigg, J. T. (2006). What causes ADHD?: Understanding what goes wrong and why. New York: Guilford Press.

United States., & National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2006). ADHD fact sheet. Bethesda, Md.: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

Ratey, J. J., & Hagerman, E. (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. New York: Little, Brown.