Students with ADHD as Teachers in the Classroom

Student teaching is most commonly known for the steps a potential teacher takes before getting certified. However, in this instance, we are talking about an entirely different kind of student teaching. The objective of this writing is to give teachers an idea of how the act of "student teaching" can be of great benefit to students, especially those with disorders like ADHD, who are constantly feeling the impact of the disorder.

Obviously, students with ADHD often have a negative stigma surrounding the disorder. I rarely refer to students as "ADHD students." I did it for a reason in my title. I did it because quite often, this is how students with ADHD perceive that everyone else thinks when they think of them. These students have spent a lot of time trying to counteract the effects of ADHD, but it remains a part of them.

The object of students teaching is for those with ADHD to be offered the chance to use their energy in a constructive manner. Obviously they may have a hard time focusing on one project at a time, so this activity works best if there is a progressive variety of teaching activities for them to work on. See the list below for some ideas for teachers to use when dealing with ADHD and students teaching.

• Grading papers. This is an especially useful task if the papers are multiple choice or true/false since the students can get through them quickly.
• Offering their own tips. Each student has their own story to share. Give these students a weekly topic to choose from so that they can offer their own coping skills as tips. This takes some of the burden off of having ADHD as they become teachers for dealing with ADHD issues.
• Give them a bulletin board area to design. Again, make use of that energy and the creativity that comes with most ADHD issues. Give each student an area of their own to design on a regular basis, such as once a month. Offer a topic idea and see where they go with it! This is also great place for them to have a creative outlet on a regular basis if you allow them to add to the area and modify it as needed.
• Allow students to instruct on their own topic. Even if it's only for 10 minutes, allow students to offer instruction on a hobby they have or are interested in. This does great thing for their self esteem and introduces new ideas to other students.

Students with ADHD can become valued student teachers in the classroom if given the chance to use their skills in direct instruction and working collaboratively with peers in promoting learning and contributing to academic success.