Karen Costa

Karen Costa, a faculty development facilitator and author of "An Educator’s Guide to ADHD," discusses reshaping views on ADHD in education. She emphasizes that students with ADHD are assets, not burdens, and critiques the problematic romanticization of ADHD as a superpower. Karen shares methods for creating supportive learning environments, like high expectations paired with flexibility, and highlights the importance of strong instructor presence in online settings. She also offers practical tools like checklists and external memory aids to aid students' success.

In this engaging discussion, Karen Costa, a faculty development facilitator and author of An Educator's Guide to ADHD, shares her insights on supporting ADHD learners. She debunks myths surrounding ADHD, suggesting a shift toward a strengths-based mindset. Karen discusses barriers to diagnosis and the importance of understanding ADHD as a unique 'open neurotype.' With practical classroom strategies like external task lists and inclusive design, she emphasizes creativity and community connection for empowering ADHD students.

Karen Costa, a faculty development facilitator and author, dives into the intersection of education and nature. She discusses the therapeutic benefits of gardening and how engaging with green spaces can enhance mental well-being. Costa advocates for a teaching approach that emphasizes learning from nature and the importance of rest for resilience, suggesting that we can draw inspiration from nature’s cycles. She also touches on the role of diversity as a foundational strength in both ecosystems and educational environments.