ADHD can present challenges for individuals, in various aspects of their academic and social lives. When it comes to group work, ADHD students may face specific difficulties that can impact their ability to participate effectively. Some reasons for their struggles include: Difficulty with Focus and Attention: ADHD is characterized by difficulties in maintaining attention and… Continue reading Why ADHD learners find group work so difficult.
Tag: teaching
The Power of the Tick
As educators, one of our fundamental goals is to nurture a positive and encouraging learning environment that fosters student motivation and success. While traditional methods of assessment and feedback play crucial roles in student development, there are innovative approaches that can further boost engagement and productivity. His blog post explores the use of ticks, a… Continue reading The Power of the Tick
The Impact of Closing Trade Schools in the 1990s and its Effect on Students with ADHD.
In the early 1990s, Australia underwent a significant shift in its education system with the closure of numerous trade schools across the country. This move was made with the intention of promoting a stronger focus on traditional secondary education and university pathways. While this decision had its merits, it inadvertently had negative repercussions on students… Continue reading The Impact of Closing Trade Schools in the 1990s and its Effect on Students with ADHD.
Rethinking Classroom Discipline: Moving Beyond Public Shaming
Creating a positive and conducive learning environment is essential for every classroom. While teachers face challenges in managing student behavior, it is crucial to adopt discipline strategies that foster growth, understanding, and respect. One common but problematic practice that has been used for years involves writing the names of naughty kids on the board as… Continue reading Rethinking Classroom Discipline: Moving Beyond Public Shaming
Positive Reinforcement is NOT Bribery.
Over the years I have heard many people describe positive reinforcement as ‘bribery’. This is because they have an inaccurate understanding of the two concepts. There is a significant difference! Positive reinforcement involves rewarding students when they do well, specifically for demonstrating good behaviour and for accomplishments. It provides motivation for children to engage in… Continue reading Positive Reinforcement is NOT Bribery.
The Role of Dopamine
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter which helps our brain to work effectively. However, we need the right level of dopamine. Research has determined that people with ADHD have a dopamine deficiency, this means their brain simply does not release the correct amount. This hinders their ability to perform tasks which are easy for people who… Continue reading The Role of Dopamine
Rebuild the Walls
When I was a student in the 80s, schools were mainly designed with individual classrooms for each class and one teacher. Another common feature was to have a double classroom with folding doors which could be opened or closed depending on the nature of the lesson being taught. This afforded the opportunity for two classes… Continue reading Rebuild the Walls
Behaviour charts and self-esteem
There is much debate about the usage of behaviour charts in schools and, whilst they are implemented in classrooms with good intentions, they are not helpful for any student, especially those with ADHD. In fact, they can have some significant impacts on student wellbeing. Behaviour charts are used in classrooms to manage student behaviour. They… Continue reading Behaviour charts and self-esteem
The Burden of RSD
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, or RSD, is a characteristic of ADHD that I only recently became aware of. In fact, it was whilst listening to my recently diagnosed daughter explaining her struggles that I looked further into it and discovered that it is often considered one of the most debilitating aspects of having ADHD. RSD is… Continue reading The Burden of RSD
The Green Pen
Have you ever considered what impact the pen colour you use to mark a student’s work has on their self esteem? Many teachers haven’t and, without thinking, always reach for a red pen. Perhaps this is because red pen stands out against the blue or black ink that a student uses when completing assignments. Or… Continue reading The Green Pen