Is there an ADHD learning style? We think so, based on our work with hundreds of students with ADHD. Let’s call it an Interactive Learning Style. Once you understand this, you’ll see why your child needs you to work with them during homework time, rather than nag them to get started on their own.
A review of research into learning styles can be frustrating. Researchers have proposed numerous models, ranging from simple labels — visual, auditory or kinesthetic — which only partially fit most students — to complex theories too detailed for parents or tutors not trained as learning specialists. (If you do want to dig a little deeper, our favorite model is Felder-Silverman, summarized here). So we have proposed Interactive as a good starting point for our homework coaches when they first meet a new student.
The only learning style model we’ve found that includes an Interactive style is the Institute of Learning Styles Research, which identifies seven “perceptual” learning styles related to the five senses. (We are sorry for the student with an olfactory learning style — good luck learning calculus by smell!). According to ILSR, the Interactive learner
Learns best through verbalization
Often hums or talks to self or others
Likes to use other people as a sounding board
Enjoys question/answer sessions
Finds small group discussions stimulating and informative
Prefers to discuss things with others
Usually is not quiet for great lengths of time
If you look at that list you can guess that it will not be effective to expect your student to study for tests by staring at a dense paragraph or complex diagram. They will struggle to stay focused, especially if they have ADHD and are disinterested in the topic. They will find themselves reading and re-reading the same sentence again and still being unable to tell you what it’s about.
HomeworkCoach has found that ADHD children (and LD children generally) learn best in an interactive environment. Simply having someone study with them makes all the difference. Review the work your child has done in school each day by reading aloud the study guide or notes. Then discuss what you’ve read. Or ask them to teach the material to you. That way you will know if they understand it, and it will help them remember it when they take a test. And verbally quiz them before tests as part of their studying process. It’s not that they are loo lazy or undisciplined to just sit and study on their own. The way they learn needs someone interacting with them.
Many parents know this; they often say their child does better when they take time before a test to go through the material verbally. But parents may not have the time and, as children gets older, they resist the parent interfering – but will happily work with a younger homework coach who will do just what the parent would have. That’s the great value of a homework coach. The coach can help the student review material by reading it with them and asking questions, and can quiz them verbally for tests. That helps keep the ADHD child engaged and more likely to absorb the information.
Call us at 877-715-5442 for more information about our HomeworkCoach service.
