How One-on-One Learning Benefits Children With ADHD

" Revolutionising Education: How To Hack Your Child’s Learning Materials To Unlock Their Full Potential"

As a nation, we’ve been conditioned to believe that traditional teaching methods are the only way to educate our children. However, what if we told you that this one-size-fits-all approach is not only failing our children but also holding them back? For children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the conventional classroom setting can be a recipe for disaster. But fear not, dear parents and educators, for there’s a beacon of hope on the horizon: one-on-one learning.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of one-on-one learning and explore how it can benefit children with ADHD. We’ll examine the science behind this approach, discuss its advantages, and provide real-life examples of its success. So, buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery as we challenge the status quo and explore a new frontier in education.

What is One-on-One Learning?

One-on-one learning is a teaching approach where one teacher works with one student, providing individualised instruction and attention. This method allows teachers to tailor their teachings to the unique needs, learning style, and pace of each child. Unlike traditional classroom settings, where teachers are often stretched thin, one-on-one learning ensures that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

The Challenges of Traditional Teaching for Children with ADHD

For children with ADHD, traditional teaching methods can be a nightmare. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (NHS, 2022). In a traditional classroom setting, children with ADHD often struggle to keep up with the teacher’s pace, leading to frustration, low self-esteem, and a lack of engagement.

According to a study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, children with ADHD are more likely to experience academic underachievement, social difficulties, and emotional problems (DuPaul et al., 2012). The traditional classroom setting, with its emphasis on conformity and compliance, can exacerbate these issues, making it even more challenging for children with ADHD to succeed.

How One-on-One Learning Benefits Children with ADHD

So, how can one-on-one learning benefit children with ADHD? Let’s take a closer look:

• Personalised Instruction: One-on-one learning allows teachers to tailor their instructions to the unique needs of each child. By understanding the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style, teachers can create a bespoke learning plan that caters to their individual needs.

• Increased Attention and Support: In a traditional classroom setting, teachers often struggle to provide individual attention to each child. One-on-one learning ensures that the teacher can devote their full attention to the child, providing support and guidance whenever needed.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: One-on-one learning allows teachers to be flexible and adapt to the child’s needs. If a child is struggling with a particular concept, the teacher can adjust their approach on the fly, providing additional support or modifying the lesson to suit the child’s learning style.

• Reduced Distractions: Traditional classroom settings can be distracting, with multiple children, chatter, and background noise. One-on-one learning provides a quiet, distraction-free environment that allows children to focus and learn without interruption.

• Improved Engagement: When children receive individual attention and support, they’re more likely to engage with the learning material. One-on-one learning encourages children to participate, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning.

Real-Life Examples of One-on-One Learning Success

So, what does one-on-one learning look like in practice? Let’s take a look at some real-life examples:

• Homeschooling: Many parents opt for homeschooling as a way to provide one-on-one attention to their children. According to the Homeschooling Information, Guidance and Support (HIGS) website, homeschooling allows parents to tailor their child’s education to their individual needs, providing a more effective and engaging learning experience (HIGS, 2022).

• Tutoring: One-on-one tutoring can be a powerful way to provide additional support to children with ADHD. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, one-on-one tutoring can lead to significant improvements in academic achievement and self-esteem (Bloom, 1984).

• Specialised Schools: Some schools specialise in providing one-on-one learning experiences for children with ADHD. The Centre Academy, a school in London, provides a bespoke learning environment that caters to the individual needs of each child (Centre Academy, 2022).

Challenges and Limitations

While one-on-one learning can be a game-changer for children with ADHD, there are also challenges and limitations to consider:

• Cost: One-on-one learning can be expensive, especially if you’re hiring a private tutor or enrolling your child in a specialised school.

• Accessibility: One-on-one learning may not be accessible to all families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Teacher Training: Teachers may require additional training to provide effective one-on-one instruction.

Conclusion

One-on-one learning is a powerful tool that can revolutionise the way we educate children with ADHD. By providing individualised instruction, increased attention and support, flexibility and adaptability, reduced distractions, and improved engagement, one-on-one learning can help children with ADHD thrive. While there are challenges and limitations to consider, the benefits of one-on-one learning make it an approach worth exploring. As educators and parents, it’s our duty to challenge the status quo and provide our children with the best possible education.

References:

Bloom, B. S. (1984). The 2 sigma problem: The search for methods of group instruction as effective as one-to-one tutoring. Educational Researcher, 13(6), 4-16.

Centre Academy. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.centreacademy.co.uk/about-us/

DuPaul, G. J., Weyandt, L. L., & O’Dell, S. (2012). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A review of the literature. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16(5), 419-433.

Homeschooling Information, Guidance and Support (HIGS). (2022). Benefits of Homeschooling. Retrieved from https://www.higs.org.uk/benefits-of-homeschooling/

National Health Service (NHS). (2022). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/