Students who demonstrate a discrepancy between ability and achievement are considered to be underachievers. If a child appears not to be engaged in the learning process, it is important to ascertain why. Various factors that attribute to underachievement include:

 

Family Considerations

•    Level and value of education in the family

•    Models for achievement within the family

•    Overprotection

•    Parental expectations

•    Perfectionism of parents

•    Making a child a “little adult”

•    Emotional or physical turmoil

 

Personal Considerations

•    Need for control or attention

•    Response to competition

•    Attitude for failure

•    Level of creativity

•    Learning style

•    Deficit skills

•    Coping strategies

•    Self-esteem, self-concept

 

To reverse underachievement it is helpful to know the origin of the problem. A number of interventions have proven to be effective, depending on the circumstances.

 

Factors Attributed to Reversing Underachievement

•    Out-of-school interests

•    Consistent parenting that encourages a positive attitude, responsibility

•    Goal-setting that attaches meaning to success in school

•    Opportunities for advanced study, independent study

•    Relevant assignments

•    Evaluation of process as well as product

•    Flexible teaching styles

•    Competent, passionate teaching

•    Realistically high expectations

•    Student retaining internal locus of control

•    Student reflection on patterns of underachievement

•    Student acceptance of responsibility for actions and behaviors

•    Student understanding of relationship between coursework and future careers

•    Self-efficacy; student’s belief in his or her ability to perform well

•    Positive perception of school and teachers

•    Student ability to manage time, stay on task, and set and achieve goals

 

In general, teachers can also help by providing opportunities for creativity, freedom of choice, academic challenges, and enjoyment for learning.

​

Indicators of Progress may include:

​

•    Attitude change (happier, enjoys learning, improved self-concept)

•    Completed assignments

•    Quality of work

•    Increased concentration and productivity

•    Improved ability to deal with emotional conflict