Burlington ADHD
Strategic Academic Support
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PO Box 5782 Burlington, VT 05402
802-378-5254
Organization:
There are many organization “systems” that are advocated, taught and often required as a student progresses through his academic career. Some work. Some don’t. It depends on the student. Rarely is a “system” in its entirety effective, either because the student doesn’t buy into it or some elements of the system aren’t relevant or effective to a particular curriculum. Two column notes, 3 ring binders, flashcards, highlighting, margin notes, mnemonic devices, etc., etc… can all be very useful and effective, but no one system or technique best suits all learners in every academic setting. Burlington ADHD tutors evaluate how each student learns, which organizational techniques work best for that student, which don’t, and make suggestions to streamline the acquisition, synthesis, storage and retrieval of information.
Tutoring Strategies
Time Conceptualization:
Many students struggle with completing tasks on time. Traditionally this has been called a difficulty with “Time Management.” In fact, it may be a difficulty understanding the CONCEPT of time. What does “next week” really mean? Eleven days from now or three? “At the end of the semester “ is some point in the future, but when exactly? College and university assignments are often submitted electronically up until midnight of the assigned date, creating a false sense of the amount of time available. Due dates and times are immutable, but the period to bring a task to completion is constantly shrinking. Burlington ADHD employs a variety of strategies to ensure each student better conceptualizes the time available for completing multiple tasks on time.
Writing:
Creating a coherent written argument can be very difficult for students with ADHD. Many students with high verbal skills have poor writing skills. The ideas just don't make it to the page. And when they do, they are often fragmented and poorly organized. There is an assumption that the reader will "fill in the blanks." Information is now only a click away, but is that information relevant? Burlington ADHD tutors help students determine the difference between "relevant" information and "related" information to avoid tangential arguments and digression.
Another common problem is the "The Swirlies". The Swirlies occurs when a student is unsure of which direction he should head and begins to jump from one idea or task to another. He then realizes he is off--task and circles back to his starting point, only to find himself once again headed out to sea. The process repeats itself over and over and hours of "work" produces little but frustration and anxiety as the clock ticks. This is the time to pick up the phone or send an email. In addition to regularly scheduled sessions, Burlington ADHD tutors are available Sunday through Thursday until 12:00 midnight.
To set up an appointment or learn more about Burlington ADHD
Communication:
Communication is a key element (often lacking) in a successful academic career. Following each tutoring session, Burlington ADHD submits a comprehensive emailed report detailing the student's progress, upcoming assignments and assessments, due dates and plans of action. These reports are confidential and available only to those with a signed release. Students and parents can share these reports with whomever they deem appropriate, including medical professionals.
Availability:
Unlike most of the rest of the world, students - especially college and university students - are NOT on a 9:00am to 5:00pm schedule In addition to regularly scheduled sessions, Burlington ADHD tutors are available Sunday through Thursday until 12:00 midnight via phone and email. Sunday evening is definitely part of the academic week, but nobody really wants to work on a Friday.
Test Preparation:
The most common error students make when preparing for a test is studying material they already know. The goal is to study what you don't know. That can be tough. We all gravitate to tasks that are easier - that's human nature. By identifying and concentrating time and effort on unknown material, tutors help students create a broader base of knowledge before they go into a test or exam, thus lowering anxiety. Tutors also make sure that students are utilizing their accommodations, including extended time and/or an alternative testing location, by re-checking weeks in advance to ensure that proper notifications to professors and Exam Proctoring Centers are in place.
