Physical Education Teachers in active v/s in training: level of knowledge about Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in schoolchildren

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobiological disorder of childhood, of genetic and multifactorial origin, with a neurobiological substrate that mainly affects the frontal lobe and its connections with the basal ganglia. The research deals with the level of knowledge of Physical Education pedagogical professionals in relation to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Objective: The aim of this research is to compare the level of knowledge among active and trainee physical education teachers in relation to ADHD in schoolchildren. Method: Under a non-experimental design, with a quantitative approach and comparative scope. Instruments: A questionnaire on the knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was applied. Results: Both active teachers and trainee teachers of Physical Education showed a low level of knowledge of ADHD, answering less than 50% of the questions correctly. Conclusion: The results show that there is a need to increase specific training in ADHD for teachers both during their initial and in-service training, with the intention of having a greater knowledge of this disorder, knowing how to relate in the classroom with students who present inappropriate behaviour, and in turn helping with the early detection of ADHD. © Copyright: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF)