How Can Online Math Tutoring Help Students With ADHD?

What is ADHD, and how can it affect students?

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children in the United States. ADHD can manifest in many different ways and may have varied presentations between students. ADHD can make conventional learning in the classroom challenging for a student to manage and may affect performance and learning outcomes. For some students with ADHD, additional support systems can positively impact academic performance and confidence. For example, an online math tutor may be able to help mitigate the challenges a particular student faces in their math classes.

Possible challenges and presentations of ADHD in the classroom:

- Maintaining focus: Many people with ADHD can become easily distracted, making it difficult for them to remain focused for long periods of time. In a classroom setting, this can cause disruptions for the teacher or other students and may mean that the student with ADHD is not engaging with academic content, which could lead them to fall behind.

- Restless or impulsive behavior: Students with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, fidgeting, or impulsive behaviors if they do not feel adequately stimulated. This can lead to frustration and distraction for themselves, fellow students, and teachers.

- Organization and time management: Students with ADHD who experience difficulties with executive function may struggle with planning, organization, and time management. This can significantly impact their school life and academic performance, especially in high school grades, as more independence becomes expected.

How can online tutoring benefit students with ADHD?

Individualized attention: If a student’s ADHD is leading to challenges in their math classes, an online mathematics tutor can significantly help. A tutor who understands the student's challenges in their classroom setting can set up a learning environment that accommodates their needs. Individualized attention may also help to keep the student focused on specific tasks, and the tutor can also incorporate strategies that allow the student to take functional breaks when needed.

Personalized lessons and teaching approach: Working with an online math tutor allows a student to explain their specific needs and preferences so that they can be incorporated into lessons. This can optimize learning time, increase productivity, improve learning outcomes, and improve a student’s confidence.

Scheduling: Working with an online mathematics tutor allows for flexibility in that the student can arrange for lessons to be at a time that is convenient/ fits into their schedule, and they can attend classes from their home (or any appropriate location that they can access the online teaching platform). Within the learning sessions, a student and tutor may work on efficient scheduling techniques and approaches for the student that might help with their organizational and planning skills. This could significantly improve a student’s schooling experience and overall learning outcomes, while also helping to build skills outside of just mathematics.

Interactive learning materials and resources: While some may feel that learning online is not as effective as learning in person, the learning platform that an online math tutor uses may have functions and features that make it immersive and interactive. Tutors can introduce materials in diverse formats, which may appeal to their students with ADHD. This is not always possible in a classroom setting with many students.

Strategies for online tutors with students with ADHD:

Clear goals and manageable tasks: Breaking goals, assignments, or problems down into smaller, manageable tasks is a helpful way to approach sessions. Each session should have at least one goal that the student can meet, as this can help to improve their confidence. Smaller tasks or goals might also be better handled by a student who struggles to remain focused on a single task for a long period of time.

‘Brain breaks’: Be aware of a student’s need to take breaks from their work (if applicable). This might mean pausing theoretical content to do a quick pop-quiz or allowing the student to get up and move around if this helps them remain focused. The more a tutor gets to know the student and their needs, the more specific they can be with structuring these breaks.

Encourage self-advocacy: Though some students with ADHD may struggle with executive functioning and organization, it is not to say that they cannot be independent learners. Encouraging students to communicate their desired learning outcomes and preferences is important for a successful working relationship. Within these guidelines or structures, supporting students with schedules and organization will allow them to work more independently toward their academic goals.

Hyperlink:

https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html#:~:text=Millions%20of%20U.S.%20children%20have,parents%20using%20data%20from%202022.