Year

1999

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Faculty of Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the classroom interactions of students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to develop a model of effective teaching for them. Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological model, which views individual development as a function of the interactions between an individual and different aspects of the surrounding environments, was used as a theoretical framework for this investigation.

The study employed a multiple-case study mode of enquiry (Yin, 1994). Data were collected on ten students at two schools over a period of one school year, although findings relating to only five of those students are presented in detail. A rich data base concerning classroom interactions developed from narrative recording of timed classroom observations; measurements of time on task and academic engaged time; formal and informal interviews with students, parents, teachers and principals; and collection of work samples.

Results from this study confirmed the literature which argues that students with ADHD have a predisposition to learning and behavioural difficulties. Learning environments, however, have the potential to either exacerbate these difficulties, allowing the full expression of behaviours that will detract from learning, or alternatively to suppress those behaviours and maximise the developmental potential of students with this diagnosis. This study confirmed the effective teaching literature for students with ADHD. Findings from this study also suggest that a model of effective teaching for students with this diagnosis contains organisational, management and instructional strategies which interact with a strong interpersonal bond between student and teacher to facilitate high levels of engagement in learning tasks. This bond or alliance between student and teacher is seen to be critical for students with ADHD as it acts as a prime motivator, assisting students to focus their attention and maintain engagement in core educational experiences.

It is recommended that more consideration be given in teacher education courses to the development of interpersonal skills and to ways in which a strong teacher/student bond may be developed. Additional recommendations relate to specific classroom practices which were found to maximise engaged time. Research recommendations include the development of training programs for students with ADHD in co-operative learning and group task skills and the investigation of the role of visual aids and self-talk with this population.

02Whole.pdf (9026 kB)

Share

COinS
 

Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.