How Can Teachers Best Support Students With ADD or ADHD in the Classroom?
To best answer the question, “How Can Teachers Best Support Students With ADD or ADHD in the Classroom?,” one must first define Attention Deficit Disorder as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Characterized by developmentally inappropriate and pervasive levels of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder were present in 6.1 million children in the year 2016 according to a study conducted by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
ADD and ADHD is a common disorder that presents behavioral and social challenges for students as well as the academic challenges. Primarily, the aforementioned behavioral challenges consist of attention based issues as students who struggle to maintain focus as well as students who are hyperactive have difficulty self-managing. This concludes with inappropriate responses to social situations as well as noncompliance, aggression, and a lack of organizational skills.
The academic challenges tend to result from behavioral challenges if not from the disorder itself. Students with ADD or ADHD are more likely to have poor grades and lower scores on standardized tests. Their absenteeism rate is higher. They are also more likely to be expelled, suspended, or repeat a grade.
To counteract these challenges and support the students, teachers can conduct particular practices within the classroom. Teachers can implement behavior intervention such as modifying the environment to reduce distractions or providing fidget tools. Teachers can modify academic instruction to support the students’ attention needs. They can also establish a home and school communication program to better track behavior between school and support.
Conclusively, while students with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may struggle with multitudinous challenges inside and outside of the classroom, there are actions that can be taken by the teacher to best support the student and create an atmosphere for said students to thrive and achieve their personal best.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
Return to schedule