Topic: Health
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed an intervention to help students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stay organized and manage their time effectively. The study, led by clinical psychologist Jenelle Nissley-Tsiopinis, aims to improve executive function skills in elementary school students. The intervention, known as Organization Skills Training-Tier 2 (OST-T2), has shown promising results in improving organizational skills among students with ADHD.
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often struggle with tasks involving time management, completing homework, and planning for upcoming projects. This can lead to conflicts with caregivers and affect high school and college placement, causing students to lose interest in school and confidence in themselves. Clinical psychologist Jenelle Nissley-Tsiopinis says that some very brilliant kids can't turn in their homework, so they can't get graded for it. She adds that a lot of times, kids do their homework, but they forget to submit it. If they turn it in late, it's half a credit, which is not 100% even if they complete all the work accurately.
Research has shown the effectiveness of interventions to reduce organizational skills deficits and homework problems. In a study published in 2024, Nissley-Tsiopinis and her colleagues tested school-based interventions to help elementary school students who have difficulty with organization, time management, and planning—hallmarks of ADHD. They worked with 22 schools in the greater Philadelphia area and found that the school-based Organization Skills Training-Tier 2 (OST-T2) intervention succeeded in improving executive function proficiency among elementary school students after 16 sessions.
A core part of OST-T2 is repeated practice of organizational skills in session: teaching children hands-on executive function skills instead of telling them what to do or doing it for them. Nissley-Tsiopinis says that this is the part that was missing from a lot of the interventions that were in schools already. She adds that the piece that they really want kids to do, which research tells us is important, is for them to practice the skills, and that's how they learn to do it.
Why It Matters
This study can help Indian students with ADHD stay organized and manage their time effectively, leading to better academic performance and confidence. It also highlights the importance of hands-on learning and practice in developing executive function skills.
Key Facts
- Children with ADHD often struggle with tasks involving time management, completing homework, and planning for upcoming projects.
- The Organization Skills Training-Tier 2 (OST-T2) intervention has shown promising results in improving organizational skills among students with ADHD.
- The study was published in 2024 and involved working with 22 schools in the greater Philadelphia area.
- A core part of OST-T2 is repeated practice of organizational skills in session, teaching children hands-on executive function skills instead of telling them what to do or doing it for them.
- The researchers are currently assessing an intervention known as Homework, Organization, and Planning Skills (HOPS) on organizational, time management, and planning (OTMP) skills for middle school students.
Key Terms
- ADHD
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a condition that affects attention and behavior.
- Executive function skills
- Skills involving time management, planning, and organization.
Implications
This study can help Indian students with ADHD stay organized and manage their time effectively, leading to better academic performance and confidence. It also highlights the importance of hands-on learning and practice in developing executive function skills.
Leave a comment