Many people struggle to concentrate, pay attention to details, and retain the information they have just read. These are the areas that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sufferers typically face even more difficulties in, necessitating the use of innovative study techniques to encourage learning while addressing obstacles to academic success. Effective study habits have been linked to improved academic achievement, confidence, and self-esteem, according to research.
Whether you are helping a child or adolescent with ADHD (formerly known as attention deficit disorder) study more successfully or you have adult ADHD, you can maximize study sessions by utilizing the Pomodoro technique, active learning techniques, and organizing your study space. Consider contacting a therapist in person or online for individualized advice and assistance if your everyday life is being negatively impacted by your ADHD symptoms.
Difficulties and the requirement for efficient study methods
The students who are suffering from ADHD in college can make it difficult for them to focus, plan, finish tasks, and efficiently manage their time. Procrastination brought on by a lack of planning can also cause anxiety about exam performance.
According to a middle school research, adolescents with ADHD often turned in 12% fewer homework assignments than their classmates. This can suggest that intervention techniques are required.
Strategies based on studies that target common issues like working memory and concentration may be helpful for students with ADHD.
Study advice for ADHD
A few pointers are suggested by the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) to enhance academic achievement. Given that every person has unique symptoms that might fluctuate in intensity, ADDA advises determining which regions require the greatest attention.
For instance, a person may find it difficult to concentrate if they are not interested in the subject matter or if facts or information is presented repeatedly. Some people may have trouble managing their time and procrastinating, while others may have memory problems.
Finding the most challenging regions will enable you to develop more focused strategies. Additionally, you might be able to modify methods to fit your needs.
Put the Pomodoro technique to use.
By setting aside specific times to focus on tasks, this strategy may help increase focus. A study session may become more concentrated and doable by dividing the time into increments and taking breaks.
Typically, the Pomodoro technique includes the following:
Creating a list of things to do
use a timer other than a smartphone
Using a timer to focus on a single task for 15 to 25 minutes
every time the timer goes off, cross out one “pomodoro” or task from the to-do list.
To take a break, set a five-minute timer.
After setting the timer for a further 15 to 25 minutes, take another break.
After four “pomodoros” (15- to 25-minute study sessions), taking a lengthier rest
ADDA frequently emphasizes how important it is to study using a variety of learning strategies. Active learning resources can inject some life and energy into an otherwise dull study session, as people with ADHD often react well to stimulation.
Here are some pointers for active learning:
By answering the questions on the card and looking for the answer on the back, you can use flashcards to help you learn more about the subject and retain the information.
Establish goals, timetables, deadlines, and reminders using visual clues and organizers. Subject organization and separation can also be achieved by color-coding folders.
Make visual links between concepts and subjects by using the mind-mapping approach. After reading the content, someone applying this method could make a “map” of related concepts based on what they understood. This method is supposed to assist the brain in organizing the way it processes information.
Use weighted blankets, engage in behavioral treatment, and adopt “morning light therapy” to improve your quality of sleep. Just raising the blinds or taking a morning stroll outside can provide light therapy.
Engage in physical activity to enhance learning. Exercise has been shown to enhance executive function, enhance attention span, and lessen symptoms of ADHD.
Work with the study materials.
It has been shown by research that dopamine levels may be lower in persons with ADHD, which may affect motivation. Using the study resources to your advantage could keep you engaged and on task. To help you retain the most crucial information from a class or topic, try underlining relevant vocabulary terms in vivid colors.
Moreover, reading aloud and responding to questions can increase interest in the subject and improve retention.
Take care of forgetfulness
Planning and organizing are common challenges for those with ADHD, which may be related to a decrease in memory for future-focused intents (prospective memory). For instance, even with the best of intentions, an individual with ADHD may overlook the assignment of writing an essay.
You might find it easier to remember to perform activities if you set reminders for them. Putting sticky notes on the computer, refrigerator, or bathroom mirror might serve as a reminder. Another useful approach would be to use alarm clocks that provide prompts, like “Finish essay.”
Arrange the area where you study.
It can be difficult to concentrate on the current study materials when there is clutter around. Keeping your study area organized can aid in task management, assignment tracking, and distraction avoidance.
Among the tools for organization are:
Utilizing subject-specific labeled folders
Every day, begin taking notes on a new page.
Sorting finished activities and projects into distinct files and keeping them apart from unfinished or upcoming assignments
The night before classes, packing your backpack with everything you need
Setting aside a room just for studies
Strive to establish a routine.
Making a timetable with designated periods for various classes and tasks will assist you in making the most of your time.
Finding out when you feel most focused and awake during the day could be another useful strategy. You might decide to take on challenging chores early in the day if you find that you learn best in the morning. But if you discover that you’re more of a night owl, studying after dark could be a wise choice.
Take care of your emotional well-being.
It can be difficult to learn how to manage ADHD symptoms while attempting to study. Online therapy could be a practical and accessible choice if you think you could use some mental health support. Online therapy has the ability to alleviate attention deficit disorder and enhance study skills, according to a meta-analysis and systematic review that assessed online interventions for ADHD.
