Understanding Underachievement in Gifted Students

1. Did You Know? • Einstein failed in language. • Schubert failed Mathematics. • Edison was taken out of school after three months, on the grounds that he was ‘unstable’. • 15% - 40% of gifted students are at risk for school failure or significant underachievement (Seeley, 1993). • 5% of graduating high school seniors, 40% never finish college .

2. What is Underachievement? • Definition: Underachievement occurs when a child's performance is below what is expected based on the child's ability.For example, a child who scores in the 90th percentile range on standardized tests can be expected to excel in school, to be earning A's and perhaps some B's. A child with high potential who earns less than B's is said to be underachieving.Some experts suggest that gifted children who are working below their potential in school are not necessarily underachievers (Bainbridge, 2015).

4. Characteristics of Underachievers: • Disorganized • Forgetful • Misplaces books/lose assignments • Daydreamer • Doesn’t listen • Talks too much • Poor study skills • Lacks self efficacy

5. Causes of Underachievement” • Lack of Motivation-Bored • Inappropriate educational activities • Fear of Success • Fear of Failure • Undetected learning disabilities • Lack of impulse control • Low risk taking abilities • Interest in activities other than school • Lack of parental support in education • Too high or too low expectation of parents

6. Types of Underachievers: • The Procrastinator-wastes time/puts off tasks • I’m Smart, Notice Me Student- teachers pet • The Hidden Perfectionist-worried and compulsive/unsure • The Martyr- reacts poorly to success • The Socialite- values approval and praise • The Shy Type- dependent on adults/fears embarrassment • The Con-Artist- manipulative/ often resist help Does this sounds like anyone you know? know?

7. Excuses of Underachievers:

8. What can be done to reverse the cycle of underachievement? • Patience • Persistence • Positive attitude • Parents and teachers working together, not making excuses, setting the value of education, changing the child and not the setting. • Praise!

9. Motivation-Key to Success!

10. To ensure success-the teacher can: • Listen to what the student says. • Learn about what the student is thinking • Initiate opportunities to showcase students strengths • Provide engaging lessons

11. The Parents Can: • Be patient/ Be supportive • Nurture the child’s interest • Expose their children to new areas and ideas • Help child learn effective time management and study skills • Praise your child’s effort!!

13. In Conclusion:

14. Resources: • Nevid, J. (2013). Psychology: Concepts and applications. Belmont, CA: Wadworth. • Plotnik, R. & Kouyoumjian. H. (2011). Introduction to psychology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. • *Rimm, S. (2008). Why Bright Kids Get Poor Grades and What you Can Do about It. (3rd ed.) Scottsdale: Great Potential Press. • Siegle, D. (2006 Winter). Parenting Strategies to Motivate Underachieving Gifted Students. ITAG newsletter, 31, 19. • Siegle, D. (2013). The Underachieving Gifted Child. Waco: Prufrock Press, Inc. • **Whitley, M. (2001). Bright Minds, Poor Grades. New York: Perigee. • Whitmore, J. R. (1998). Gifted Underachievement. NAGC speech

15. Under-Achievement, Motivation, and Academic Performance Underachievement in Gifted Students Dale Mayo COE 8173 Mississippi State University