ADHD Specific Classroom Strategies


ADHD Study Strategies

In addition to general study strategies, the following study strategies are recommended to clients with ADHD:

  • A reduced course load is recommended, to lessen the chance of feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work, and to increase the chance of a successful outcome for courses.
  • Your client may benefit from content tutoring in subjects in which he/she is feeling lost, or in which he/she is failing to complete assignments.
  • It may be beneficial to “contract” with your client once specific goals and steps have been identified in achieving goals in designated courses.
    • For example, a contract could be drawn up to include attendance expectations (all classes unless permission granted), completion of a reasonable percentage of assigned work (e.g. 75%), attendance of regular meetings with a guidance counselor (e.g. weekly) to address time management, review whether your client is on track in long-term projects or if assignments have been handed in, and to address other issues as they arise.
  • Self-advocacy skills may require practice, and your client may benefit from support in requesting available accommodations or time extensions as they appear necessary.
  • It is recommended that your client embark on some learning (e.g. through reading or video format), regarding the impact of AD/HD challenges in daily life, and strategies that may assist in personal and academic goal attainment.  It will be important to develop a good understanding of what medication can and cannot do.

Distraction Minimization Strategies

In order to help minimize his/her tendency to be distracted, your client may benefit from the following strategies:

  • Using earplugs during activities involving reading and writing.
  • Arranging their work environment so as to reduce the impact of noise or other distractions.
  • Using frequent but timed breaks during activities that require sustained attention

Strategies to Assist in Reaching Academic Goals

The following study strategies are provided in order to assist your client in reaching academic goals:

  • Obtain course outlines and reading material lists in advance.  Try to read course material pertaining to the lecture ahead of time, using course outlines/schedules as a guide, or consulting with instructors to determine relevant reading.
  • Ask the instructors to provide you with outlines of lectures early to aid with the organization of your notes.
  • Cue sheets that list new and critical terms should be constructed prior to the lectures.  This may be done while previewing relevant chapters prior to the lecture, or by asking the instructor to provide you with a list of important terms.  It is important to include definitions on the cue sheets.
  • After completing reading in preparation for a lecture, jot down ideas, concepts or points of view you do not understand. Listen carefully during the lecture to see if these issues are addressed.  If your understanding does not improve during the lecture, ask questions during the lecture time or request a meeting with the instructor to address your concerns at a later time.
  • Determine if there are other students in your class who would be willing to form note-taking or study groups.  Discussing main ideas and supporting details or examples with other students will enhance the understanding of course material.
  • Read assignment directions and test questions carefully before starting, and seek clarification when necessary.
  • Use an agenda to set daily goals, record due dates, develop artificial due dates for long assignments, and break required reading into parts.