Are you looking for hacks for teaching students to use their study time wisely? If so, keep reading.
1. Provide visibility to and from the learner to make sure the learner is attending. The teacher and the learner should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.
2. Get the learner to organize tasks by dividing them into small segments. Establish deadlines and reward the learner after finishing each segment of the task.
3. Talk regularly with the learner to keep their involvement with class tasks (e.g., ask the learner questions, ask the learner’s opinion, stand in close proximity to the learner, seat the learner near the teacher’s desk, etc.).
4. Get the learner to prioritize tasks by importance (e.g., task A must be done today, task B can be done today, and task C can wait until tomorrow).
5. Observe the learner during study time to keep on-task behavior.
6. Take proactive steps to deal with a learner’s refusal to perform a task to prevent contagion in the classroom (e.g., refrain from arguing with the learner, place the learner at a carrel or other quiet space to work, remove the learner from the group or classroom, etc.).
7. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, and instructions not grasped.
8. Give the learner a schedule of daily activities, so they know what and how much there is to do in a day.
9. Get the learner to repeat the instructions orally to the teacher.
10. Select a peer to model appropriate use of study time for the learner.
11. Provide sample letters, reports, forms, etc., as references for written communication.
12. Select a peer to model an appropriate conclusion of tasks for the learner.
13. Choose a specific duration of time (e.g., the last fiveminutes of study time, after finishing a task, etc.) when it is permissible for the learner to converse with their peers.
14. Urge the learner to ask for clarification of the instructions for classroom tasks to be finished during study time.
15. Talk regularly with the learner to help them follow instructions for the tasks.
16. Let the learner have access to pencils, pens, etc., only after instructions have been given.
17. Provide a consistent daily routine (schedule).
18. Provide consistency of expectations while keeping expectations within the capacity and ability level of the learner.
19. Make sure that the learner is paying attention to the teacher when instructions are given (e.g., making eye contact, hands free of writing learning materials, looking at task, etc.).
20. Make sure that your remarks are in the form of constructive criticism rather than criticism that could be perceived as personal, menacing, etc. (e.g., instead of saying, “You always make the same mistake,” say, “A better way to do that might be . . .” ).
21. Consider using assistive technology designed to help students to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate. Click here to view list of assistive technology apps that we recommend.
