The Affect of Attention on Learning

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Many students across the world suffer with ADHD. It affects how they learn, and often reflects on their grades.

There are three different types of ADHD. Predominantly, inattentive is when they have trouble staying focused on certain tasks. They often miss small details and never pay close attention, especially in class.

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD causes people to be uncontrollably fidgety. They often interrupt unintentionally. Students with this type of ADHD get in trouble with teachers for being disruptive.

Combination type ADHD often causes people to be both impulsive and hyperactive. An estimated 8.4% of children have some type of ADHD, though many grow out of it. Only 2.5% of adults have ADHD.

Even though ADHD affects students’ learning abilities it is still not classified as a learning disability in many schools. Students do not get any special treatment for their attention issues. 

Many who’s grades suffer due to ADHD could benefit from extra help in class. Especially students who do not take medication for it.

Brunswick High School teacher, Mr. Johnson, says he handles students with ADHD in many ways. Hands-on activities are often a part of his lessons. He will walk around the classroom to assure his students are paying attention. 

“I prefer not to just lecture as that leads to many students, even without ADHD, to lose focus,” Johnson says.

When he does want students to sit and take notes he will ask questions to keep them engaged. These questions entail self exploration, really making students think not only about the lesson but about themselves.

Johnson, along with many other Brunswick High School teachers, use the engaging ways of teaching to keep their students focused. Guiding students to pay attention reflects on tests, GPA, and the student’s overall perception of school.

While ADHD isn’t technically classified as a learning disability, many teachers are aware of the struggles, and will help students with problems out of their control. This can be small things like reminding them to stay on task. Some teachers will be more lenient with due dates as well.

Teachers like this have saved students’ GPAs. While a student may be very smart, sometimes they will forget a due date, or miss instruction in class.

Teacher’s aware of ADHD are a huge help to these students. All teachers should be aware of ADHD. Most of the teachers who aren’t as helpful to students who suffer just aren’t aware. 

All teachers need to be made aware, whether in initial training or during meetings. If all teachers can give students who suffer with mental illness equal opportunity, all students can thrive.