ADHD / ADD Support Group
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.
Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve on note taking and studying so I can try to focus more on tasks at hand rather than struggling with pretending like I know what to do?
The big challenge is doing it consistently.
If I have multiple classes I either use one skinny binder per class making sure to have a different colour for each class, or I'll have one binder with different coloured paper and dividers, clearly labeled. I always make sure I have extra paper in each section, because if I run out, I'm liable to go to a different section, write there and lose the note.
I use the front of each page, not the back side. Seems like a waste of paper, I know, but it somehow helps keep things more organized in my mind if I'm not looking at the back side too.
A day planner is great. I tend to use the monthly view far more than the daily view because it gives me a fuller sense of when I have to start things or how busy I'm going to be next week.
Lists are great! I use a dry erase board and put on it anything that is coming due. I don't erase the board if I can avoid it until I'm done the tasks, but rather cross them off one at a time so I can look over it and feel proud of what I've accomplished. This way I have a visual reminder so that I don't forget it's sitting in my bag ready to hand in. I suppose it would be better to erase the thing once it's handed in and I've received a mark for it. Maybe I'll move to two erase boards lol
Ok, that's all I've got. Hope it helps!
Oh wait, studying silently doesn't have the same effect as speaking the thing. I read it out loud and then explain it to myself in my own words. When I feel pretty good that I understand the thing I write a little point form list under the main topic. If I review it and can't remember what one of the points means, I'll highlight it and look it up after I've finished reviewing the whole list. Those are my weak points and need more attention. Then I can review those topics more frequently than the ones that come easily to me. This also helps increase my confidence level and so reduces test anxiety.
I tend to become anxious during testing time anyway, whether I'm ready or not. I've found the best way to overcome this is to tell myself I don't care if I pass or fail, that it just isn't important. I somehow manage to convince myself that the important part is over, I already learned the stuff and the heck with this part, it just isn't important. It doesn't always work, but it works more frequently and with better results than walking in full of anxiety and hoping for the best. The real trick here is to make sure you've studied a lot before letting yourself not care about the outcome.
Well, this might be a longer answer than what you were hoping for, but you could always break it down and take notes from it! : D
I hope it helps.
Take care,
Melanie
In class, try to sit in the front of the room away from windows or doors to minimize distractions. When completing an assignment, break it down into sections and complete the most difficult parts first. Take a short break between each part or when you get frustrated or tired. Do something physical to defuse the hyperactivity. Sometimes it helps to set a timer and take a break when it goes off.
Work on your least favorite subjects first and save the favorites for last.
I used to encourage my ADD/ADHD students to outline the material before studying it. This helps them break the material down into smaller, more manageable parts. Homework environment is important also. Make sure it's free of distractions.
To help with organization, keep a list of all the assignments you have to complete, along with their due dates, and cross each one off as you finish it. Use a daily planner to write your assignments in class, and at home, transfer them to a desk calendar with large blocks. This works better than a Blackberry or other electronic device b/c it serves as a constant visual reminder of what you have to do.
I also have a tip that might help with test taking. ADD/ADHD students often have trouble with multiple-choice tests. When you're taking a m-c test, cover up the answer choices (the incorrect choices are called "distractors", so that should tell you something!). Then think of the question as a fill-in-the-blank type, and when you think you know the answer, uncover the choices and choose the one closest to your answer. And if you find yourself becoming anxious or stressed during a test, do some deep-breathing to help clear your head. Inhale on the count of three; hold for three seconds; exhale slowly.
To help with note-taking, you might want to get a small voice recorder to supplement your written notes. This way you can be sure you won't miss important info. And listening to the lecture again while you review your notes is a form of auditory reinforcement. Use highlighters for important facts, and then write them out on a seperate list or outline.
I've compiled some of these strategies into a book entitled Project June Bug. It tells the story of a teacher working with an high school boy who has ADHD. If you're interested, you can find out more about it if you go to my website: www.jackieminniti.com. You'll also find some helpful links to ADHD sites.
The important thing to remember is that ADHD isn't a learning disability; it's a learning difference. You just have different needs when it comes to instruction. But that doesn't mean you can't succeed. I loved working with my "June Bugs" because they were usually bright and creative, and were able to think outside the box. These are all traits that will work to your advantage when you're out in the real world.
Good luck, and please feel free to contact me if there's any way I can help.