Underachiever
What is it that causes so many gifted children to lose this spark? What can be done to rekindle it? How can the energy be channeled after it is rekindled?" Webb, Meckstroth and Tolan
According to Ken Seely in Counseling the Gifted and Talented, 2000, the basic definition of “underachiever” is “a student who does not achieve in the academic areas at a level consistent with his or her capability.” What happens to that student? What causes a student to become an underachiever?
Students who are underachievers appear to be unmotivated or lazy, or may have behavior issues. These students are often viewed has having the potential to do better. To keep them motivated, they need an educational environment that will help them to be successful. These students often feel alienated and alone. To help them, community service can be an option that will provide opportunities to be caring and giving. This can include school-based options, such as clubs, sports, acting or chorus, which are all great options for developing a feeling of belonging to a community.
How can you help? Here are some suggestions provided by the Duke Talent Identification Program.
Videos
Reading
How can you help gifted underachievers? , Victoria Butler
Underachieving Gifted Students
Hoagies Resources on Underachievement
What is it that causes so many gifted children to lose this spark? What can be done to rekindle it? How can the energy be channeled after it is rekindled?" Webb, Meckstroth and Tolan
According to Ken Seely in Counseling the Gifted and Talented, 2000, the basic definition of “underachiever” is “a student who does not achieve in the academic areas at a level consistent with his or her capability.” What happens to that student? What causes a student to become an underachiever?
Students who are underachievers appear to be unmotivated or lazy, or may have behavior issues. These students are often viewed has having the potential to do better. To keep them motivated, they need an educational environment that will help them to be successful. These students often feel alienated and alone. To help them, community service can be an option that will provide opportunities to be caring and giving. This can include school-based options, such as clubs, sports, acting or chorus, which are all great options for developing a feeling of belonging to a community.
How can you help? Here are some suggestions provided by the Duke Talent Identification Program.
- Be a role model! Show your child that you value school. Model how to react when faced with a challenge and discuss the learning that can occur when solving problems.
- Provide your child with opportunities to develop his or her own interests and areas of giftedness.
- Help your child understand the cause and effect relationship between effort and achievement. You can keep track of your child's progress by saving schoolwork.
- Monitor and help your child with school assignments.
Videos
Reading
How can you help gifted underachievers? , Victoria Butler
Underachieving Gifted Students
Hoagies Resources on Underachievement