Influences on Teachers’ Intention to Apply Classroom Management Strategies for Students with ADHD: A Model Analysis

Abstract

Students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show reduced on-task behavior at school and educational problems due to the symptoms associated with this diagnosis. Classroom management strategies (CMS) are important to reduce impairment due to ADHD symptoms but are not yet well implemented. In this study we analyzed whether the facilitators and barriers regarding the intention to apply CMS identified for pre-service teachers are replicable in a sample of teachers in service. Overall, 599 teachers in service completed an online survey on the intention to apply CMS, their attitude towards CMS and towards students with ADHD, direct experiences, individual differences, and social influences. We calculated path models that significantly clarified variance in the intention to apply CMS (R2intention to use effective CMS = 0.47, p < 0.01 and R2intention to use ineffective CMS = 0.39, p < 0.01). It turns out that similar variables are relevant to teachers in service as well as pre-service teachers. A models’ extension to include variables that do justice to the difference between the two groups, such as work experience, shows a better model fit. Especially, attitude towards CMS, attitude towards students with ADHD, strain, perceived behavioral control and teachers’ affiliation with primary or special needs schools are important variables regarding the intention to apply CMS. The implementation of effective and elimination of ineffective CMS should thus be addressed by targeting teacher’s attitudes towards children with ADHD. Furthermore, strain prevention and education might enhance the application of effective CMS.