Develop Study Skills and Learning Strategies to use for a Lifetime

Jennifer S.

ADHD

I have a master's degree in psychology and over fifteen years of experience working within school and clinical settings. While pursuing my graduate degree, I completed courses in educational psychology, developmental psychology, special needs populations, and psychology of exceptional children and adolescents. Each of these courses provided education pertaining to ADD/ADHD symptoms, challenges, treatment models, and interventions. We know that ADHD does not present the same way in every person. Each individual is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Therefore, also having the experience in working with many clients and within various environments has been an asset. During the six years that I was working within an alternative school setting, I was able to successfully apply strategies to assist students who struggled with ADHD symptoms toward improving focus, organization, problem-solving, self-regulation, and skills that they could continue to apply independently. This led to various certificates of accomplishment including, "Reaching the Tough to Teach Student." As a clinician at the health department for the following nine years, I continued to work with children and adolescents who had special needs, including ADHD, and to assist them and their families with strategies and resources. In addition, I worked collaboratively with the schools, often meeting with students and teachers at school and participating in IEP meetings to discuss progress, identify barriers, develop new strategies, and advocate for necessary services and interventions. I have continued to learn and apply additional techniques, such as mindfulness, within my own private practice.

Study Skills

While working as a classroom assistant and individual aide within an alternative school setting, I was able to learn and develop teaching methods to assist students with building their study skills. The strategies that were most successful included teaching them to recognize their primary learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), utilize their strengths, and improve their critical thinking skills, time management, and organization. As they were able to grow in these areas, an improvement in motivation and self-confidence would naturally follow, resulting in tremendous and lasting progress. I have a Master's degree in psychology and was also able to successfully apply these strategies myself, while working toward the completion of my thesis and coursework.