How does a student with ADHD learn best?

Answer 1

Since the neuroscience behind ADHD shows that executive function delays are at play, the best way for someone with ADHD to learn is with motivation!

Research shows that neurons are less active in the executive function area(frontal lobe) of people with ADHD; therefore, something of high interest is what that person will learn most effectively!

Answer 2

In their own unique way. Not every student with ADHD has the same issues or the talents when it comes to learning. ADHD comes with difficulties, such as: inability to sit still, problems focusing; feeling like they are doing worse than they actually are; troubles staying with the class (some might feel like everything is going to fast and they can't quite keep up and others might feel like things are being repeated at them and wonder why the other kids didn't get it on the first go-around); time management; and organization. But ADHD comes with benefits, too, like: creative problem solving; super-focus; a natural tendency toward leadership; sense of humor; and the persistence to get up and dust themselves off after a failure. I have found that, in general, students with ADHD do well in student-driven educational situations. Put that creative problem solving to the test. Present your child or student with a problem that needs a solution and watch them go. If you say to your child, "Your homework needs to get done. What would be the best way to make that happen?" And give them some time to think about it. It's unlikely that they are going to come back with something simple. It's going to be a creative solution that you or I would never have come up with. But it will work for them. When you them control over their education or home life, they will usually rise to the occasion. It also builds confidence, as they see their plan bear fruit. And if their plan doesn't, be encouraging. Help them tweak their ideas or throw out some of your own and give it another try. Walk them through the process of looking at a failure and seeing what worked and what didn't and then fixing the parts that didn't work. Every student learns differently. Let the student lead.

Answer 3

I can be really hard to sit at a desk (or at a computer) in today's world and be expected to focus on one thing at a time! Students with ADHD would do best in an environment that is quiet with as few distractions as possible. It can be important to take breaks to prevent brain drain and to keep energy and motivation high with school work!

Answer 4

As someone who has experience with ADHD, and has worked with students with executive functioning challenges, I believe there are several factors that go into this question. (However, my answer alone cannot encapsulates the spectrum of nuances with the ADHD disposition).

1. Having the right kind of distraction. Some students benefit from a certain "fidget" or apparatus that assists with the inclination to move or avert attention elsewhere. For instance, a rolling-chair, stress-ball, or music are all examples of items that can naturally produce dopamine while learning, and will reduce the need to seek outside the learning environment.
2. Care and understanding. We all want to be understood and accepted. It can be very hard for kiddos with ADHD to feel misunderstood, and cruelly labeled as lazy, unmotivated, rude, or tardy: I feel these are unfair misinterpretations of ADHD symptoms. A great teacher should address the challenges as a part of their teaching.
3. Intrinsic motivation. I'm sure some parents think "if only my kid spent half the time they build LEGOS on school, they would have amazing grades". In my experience, it's all about integrating pre-existing interests into the topics kids are learning at school. If there can be a genuine/organic correlation between a topic they're already fascinated in, and a topic they're learning at school –– then there is a lot of potential to create genuine interest in school.