Neurodiversity - Resources for Studying and Teaching : ADHD Learning Strategies
About Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that makes it hard to function in at least two areas of life, such as at home, school, or work.
Adults with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:
- Inattention–having difficulty paying attention
- Hyperactivity–having too much energy or moving and talking too much
- Impulsivity–acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control
Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms."
(From the National Institute of Mental Health)
Getting Started
• Connect tasks to larger goals: for example, my goal is to graduate so I need to complete my work and study • Remember the feeling of accomplishment after completing a task, and look forward to having that feeling again
• Do a body check: are you hungry? Thirsty? Cold? Etc.
• Make yourself comfortable so you don’t get distracted and derailed later
• Start with a 2-minute mind-dump: write your "to-do" list, what you're thinking or worried about • Re-read your assignment • Consider making a list of the criteria, such as word count, number of references for a paper, or number of chapters or sections to study.
• Use the Assignment Timeline Calculator to schedule the dates by when key tasks must be completed
• Keep a planner: Add due dates to a calendar • Prioritize tasks: make time for the most important tasks first • Give yourself extra time (see Assignment Calculator)
• Break up large tasks Papers: write an outline, then work on one section per day. If you have a test, break it up into small sections or chapters
• Schedule time to complete tasks, with buffer time, and scheduled down time
• Learn from the past: when do you typically end up studying? Schedule times you are most likely to follow through. • Set reminders
• Take breaks & plan rewards!
• Use the Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech tools in Microsoft Office -- see video on Library's YouTube channel.
Using All Your Senses
• Color-coding your notes gives you visual cues to spark your memory.
• Associate pictures with certain words or reading passages. This triggers your brain to remember them better.
• Visual: Create your own Venn diagram to break things down.
• Scent: Use the same lip balm, lotion, etc. with a specific scent when you are studying, and then taking an exam.
• Taste: Chew gum, or eat hard candy of the same flavor.
• Tactile: Use fidget toys, stress balls, etc.
Limit Distractions
• Turn off Devices, including your phone
• Turn off notifications & sound on your computer
• Use Earplugs, listen to music, or use white noise machine
• Practice studying in a similar sounding environment as a test
• Organize your physical space
• Bring your water bottle & snack so you don't need to interrupt your work.
Studying
Organize material into sections before an exam
• Review what you know first, quickly
• Spend the majority of time reviewing what you don’t know
• Three-times rule: “Make sure you go over everything at least three times, even if it’s a subject you’re good at”
Study with a partner, if it works for you:
• hold each other accountable
• "Study buddy" can check in with you to offer reminders
• Compare notes
• Divide things up: make a plan to review different sections & ‘present’ to each other