Adhd Essay, Research Paper

The implications for teaching students with ADHD can be difficult

depending on the amount of time one wants to put into it. Some teachers may

not have the time to spend hours researching the most effective styles to teach

the ADHD student. Other teachers may not have the desire to research. So like

most situations in life, there is an easy way and a hard way. However, I do

believe that the hard way would be most fulfilling to the teacher and it would

definitely enhance the student. There are three major areas for teachers to be

mindful of when setting up a classroom with ADHD students. These three areas

of accommodations are: physical, instructional, and behavioral. These, as well

as a few more helpful hints will provide the teacher and students with a healthy

classroom environment.

Physical accommodations for the ADHD student should include a normal

classroom environment with a few extra steps taken. The first idea for physical

accommodation is to provide a structured environment. The primary theme to

this is to seat the student in a good location. ADHD students do better if they

are seated more towards the front of the class and near the teacher, preferably

between well-focused classmates. This placement relieves some of the

student?s distractibility. If the student should choose to sit in the back of the

class then it is likely that this will be more distracting because of all the other

students and activities in the way. It is best if classroom rules are posted clearly

and reviewed every so often to maintain good behavior. This provides less

confusion and more control if the student tries to take advantage of the rules.

Also, because an ADHD student is so easily distracted, it helps them focus if

there is a class schedule posted on the board. If anything out of the ordinary,

such as a field trip, is to take place, it is best to post this a few days in advance

so the student may mentally prepare for this change. Teachers may want to

encourage the student to organize his or her workspace so that the student does

not become easily distracted by the surrounding clutter. The student may also

find it helpful to color code assignments or notes so that they are easier to

understand and read. The second idea for physical accommodation is to

provide a private workspace for the student should they need it. This could be a

quiet, comfortable area off in the corner, or an extra desk placed at a distance

from the rest of the class. This can also be effective for disciplinary measures

when the teacher may want to place the student in ?time out?. One thing to

remember is that if the private workplace is something comfortable in the corner

then the teacher may want to offer this space to other students as well. The

teacher does not want to neglect the other students? needs. This space can

serve a dual purpose by creating a reward for some students in the class while

setting aside a specific space in the class for the ADHD student to get away

when needed. The main idea for effective physical accommodations is to

provide a structured classroom with few distractions so that learning is easier for

the student.

The next accommodation for a teacher to make is in the instructional

area. Not all students learn in the same fashion and this is especially true for

the ADHD student. There are five parts to good instruction for the student.

First, the teacher should be ready to repeat and simplify instructions. Oral

directions should be clear and simple and it is helpful to make eye contact with

the student to lock their attention into what is being said. The more complex and

wordy the instructions are, the more the student?s attention is lost. Giving

examples along with the instructions also helps the student visualize the task.

Make sure the directions are understood by asking the student to repeat the

directions back. Anything in writing helps the student remember the instructions

so, using the board or a worksheet is recommended for visual stimulation. One

of the most important accommodations teachers should make for ADHD students

is to be more lenient. Reducing the volume of work and breaking long-term

assignments into more manageable tasks helps the student become more

successful. If an ADHD student is given a five-page, ten-essay test, he or she

will most likely fail miserably. Their concentration level cannot keep their

attention focused on the test long enough to complete it. I was able to work with

a high school teacher who had the opportunity to teach ADHD students

in several of her classes. Her biggest piece of advice to me was something she

called ?chunking?. This term refers to test taking with an ADHD student. First,

construct the test for the whole class, not just for the ADHD student, then give

the test to the ADHD student in ?chunks?. Let them take one part of the test and

then take a break and come back for the next part. Or, in extreme cases, even

spread the test out over several days. Also, allow ADHD students to turn in late

homework within a reasonable amount of time. Lastly, the use of technological

learning aides may be another area to increase the student?s learning. Tape

recorders and computers may help the student take notes more effectively and

more quickly so that concentration is not lost.

The third and final accommodation teachers should change to make the

classroom atmosphere more comfortable for the student is based on behavior. It

is extremely important for the teacher to use positive reinforcement with the

ADHD student. Every student loves reinforcement, but the ADHD student seems

to soak it up like a sponge. Positive reinforcement will help the student to feel

good about doing the work and paying attention. This will help the teacher

manage the learning of the class and individual student at the same time.

Positive feedback can be either verbal or written and can even be something as

simple as a ?great job? or ?great idea? on a homework assignment, even if the

assignment is not up to par with other students. The idea with positive

reinforcement is to slowly propel the student to greater heights. Simple

feedback may encourage the student to reach for those loftier ideals. Rewards

systems for keeping quiet in class or not fidgeting as much is a good idea for

ADHD students. But it is important to be consistent with rewards and

consequences. This system only works when teachers handle each situation

fairly and consistently. Next the teacher can assign tasks that promote

accountability. This extra responsibility can increase the student?s desire to

learn and earn extra rewards. Assign tangible goals for the student to complete

in a certain amount of time. And the last idea for behavioral accommodation for

the ADHD student is to maintain good communication between the parents,

teachers, and the students. This ensures that all parties are aware of what is

happening and are working toward the same mutual goal.