Characteristics
The most common characteristics and patterns of underachievement include:
- a very high IQ
- poor work habits
- a seeming inability to concentrate
- lack of effort in tasks
- an intense interest in one particular area
- frequently unfinished work
- a low self esteem
- demonstrations of emotional frustration
- negative attitudes towards self and peers
- a skill deficit in at least one subject area
- inattentiveness to task at hand
- failure to respond to motivation by usual teacher techniques
Because of continual failures in some areas, underachieving gifted students tend to exhibit either of two basic behaviour patterns: aggressive or withdrawn.
The features of the aggressive behaviour pattern are:
- Stubborn refusal to comply with requests
- attention seeking
- disruption of others
- continual rejection of set work
- absence of self-direction in decision making
- continual alienation of peers
The features of withdrawal behaviour pattern are:
- lack of communication
- fantasy world
- working alone
- little in-class work undertaken
- little attempt made to justify behaviour
Factors Influencing Underachievement
It is important to determine the causes of underachievement in order to alleviate the problem. Some are listed here:
- medical
- physical
- perfectionism
- a desire to fit in
- emotional status (grief, separation)
- low self esteem
- pressure to conform
- perceptions of peers towards the individual
- expectations (of self and others)
- a feeling of powerlessness
- lack of autonomy
Some Useful Strategies
Develop control of learning
- realistic goal setting
- appropriate classroom environments
Provide an opportunity to perform
- by increased stimulation and complexity
- by meta-cognitive training
Encouraging positive relationships
- faster risk taking
- co-operation and collaboration is encouraged