Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty paying attention.

It affects around 1 in 10 children worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent childhood disorders. To help children with ADHD learn and develop, parents and teachers must use strategies that are tailored to their unique needs.

One such method is active learning, which has been found to be more effective than traditional teaching methods for children with ADHD.

What is Active Learning?

Active learning is a teaching method that focuses on involving students in the learning process actively.

Instead of passively listening to lectures or reading textbooks, students participate in a variety of activities that help them engage with the material and apply it to real-world situations. Examples of active learning strategies include group discussions, roleplaying, problem-solving, and hands-on activities like experiments or simulations.

Active learning has been shown to have numerous benefits for all students, not just those with ADHD. It enhances critical thinking, promotes creativity, and improves overall academic achievement.

Children with ADHD, in particular, benefit from active learning because it provides them with opportunities to engage with the material in a way that meets their unique learning style.

Why is Active Learning Effective for Children with ADHD?

Children with ADHD often struggle with traditional teaching methods that rely heavily on lectures and memorization. They may have difficulty paying attention for long periods or retaining information that is presented in a passive manner.

Active learning strategies, on the other hand, are designed to be engaging, interactive, and multisensory, making them an excellent fit for children with ADHD. Here are some specific reasons why active learning is effective for children with ADHD:.

1. Active Learning Increases Attention and Focus

Active learning requires students to actively participate in the learning process, which means that they must pay attention and stay engaged.

This can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, who may struggle with attention and focus in traditional classroom settings. By involving them in hands-on activities that require their full attention, active learning can help children with ADHD stay focused and engaged for longer periods, leading to better learning outcomes.

2. Active Learning Provides Opportunities for Movement

Children with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still for long periods, leading to restlessness and difficulty concentrating.

Active learning strategies often involve movement and physical activity, providing opportunities for students to move around and release excess energy. This movement can help children with ADHD regulate their emotions and behavior, allowing them to focus better on the task at hand.

3. Active Learning Enhances Memory and Retention

Active learning engages multiple areas of the brain, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (movement) areas.

This multisensory approach enhances memory and retention, making it easier for children with ADHD to remember what they have learned and apply it in different situations. Active learning also provides students with immediate feedback, allowing them to correct mistakes and reinforce learning in real-time.

4. Active Learning Promotes Creativity and Problem-solving

Active learning encourages students to think outside the box, develop new ideas, and apply what they have learned in creative ways. This promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in school and in life.

For children with ADHD, who may struggle with rigid thinking and inflexibility, active learning can help them develop the skills they need to approach challenges in new and innovative ways.

5. Active Learning Builds Confidence and Self-esteem

Finally, active learning can help build children’s confidence and self-esteem by providing them with opportunities to succeed and showcase their strengths.

Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem and a negative academic self-concept due to repeated failures or negative feedback. Active learning allows them to demonstrate their abilities in a positive and supportive environment, leading to increased confidence and a more positive outlook on learning.

The Bottom Line

Active learning is a powerful tool for helping children with ADHD learn, develop, and thrive academically.

By involving them in hands-on activities that engage multiple senses and cater to their unique learning styles, active learning can help children with ADHD overcome the challenges they face and succeed in school and beyond.