Enabling success for learners with ADHD in tertiary Education

Under construction - completion certificates currently unavailable

Please note: while these resources are still freely available to explore, they are no longer hosted on an eLearning platform so progress saving and completion certificates are no longer available. We apologise for any inconvenience and are investigating avenues to reinstate this. Thank you for your patience! 


​​​​​​​Enabling success for learners with ADHD in tertiary education

If you’ve already identified (or suspect) you have a learner with ADHD in your lesson then you’ve come to the right place. ​

Here, you can discover:


Developed with the support of the Tertiary Education Commission.

1. Understanding learners with ADHD.

  • 1.1 What's ADHD?
  • 1.2 The different types of ADHD.
  • 1.3 How does ADHD impact learning?
  • 1.4 Research into tertiary learners with ADHD.
  • 1.5 Academic performance.
  • 1.6 Summary​.

2. Effectively engaging learners with ADHD.

  • 2.1 Managing ADHD characteristics as well as the rest of your learners.
  • 2.2 Getting the attention of learners with ADHD.
  • 2.3 Holding the attention of learners with ADHD.
  • 2.4 Summary.

3. Optimising outcomes for learners with ADHD.

  • 3.1 How to support improved memory function.
  • 3.2 Improving performance.
  • 3.3 Tips from learners with ADHD on the strategies they employ to succeed.
  • 3.4 Summary.

4. Developing inclusive lessons and integrated learning strategies.

  • 4.1 Setting up your room to benefit everyone.
  • 4.2 Teaching tools.
  • 4.3 Tools for on-time assignments.
  • 4.4 Summary.

Complete all four modules, and provide some feedback on how you found this course, to get a certificate of completion. You can put a printed copy on your wall to let learners with ADHD (and other neurodiverse learners) know that when they're in your office, they're in a safe space.


Quick Facts about ADHD (3.0 mins)

This is provided for educational purposes only. ADHD NZ does not provide medical advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. A GP can recommend a suitable healthcare professional.​

Recognising learners with ADHD and top tips to support them (3 mins)

This is provided for educational purposes only. ADHD NZ does not provide medical advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. A GP can recommend a suitable healthcare professional.​

For more on ADHD

Apps to help learners with ADHD


Head to ADHD.org.nz

The SAM app helps redirect your student's focus

Science-based, personal coach for people with ADHD

Speech-to-text recorder for lessons and tutorials

Speld New Zealand - for educators

Assignment steps and timeline calculator

Smiling Mind helps students regulate their emotions

Manage all your to-do lists visually to stay organised

Additude Magazine (US) for teachers

Block time-wasting apps for better time management

Learn how to meditate, focus and stay calm

A specific style of music to improve focus and attention

CHADD (US) for parents and educators

Get reminders about your priorities and deadlines

Learn how to focus your time into 25 minute blocks

TrackingTime provides a visual representation of time