1. Gifted Students’ Academic Underachievement: Giftedness as a Cause? Sal Mendaglio, PhD Graduate Programs in Education Werklund School of Education University of Calgary mendagli@ucalgary.ca 1Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

2. Overview Constructs Academic Underachievement Theory of giftedness 2Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

3. Constructs Academic Under achievement Giftedness No referents in the real world 3Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

4. Academic Underachievement and Gifted Students Discrepancy between ability\intelligence and production Discrepancy between expected and actual production Estimated incidence 50-60% 4Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

5. Some Causes Family dynamics Poor Academic Self concept Inappropriate curriculum 5Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

6. Acadmeic Underachievement: My View Discrepancy between Intelligence and School Grades Factors accounting for achievement: Intelligence and effort Underachievement: product of insufficient effort Academic achievement is a function of compliance 6Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

7. Theory of Giftedness Definition Features 7Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

8. Definition of Giftedness Superior intelligence Many possible manifestations, Positive and/or negative 8Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

9. Implications Intelligence as potential May or may not be actualized Underachievement a possibility 9Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

10. Features Heightened Sensitivity Analytic Attitude Self-Criticism Hitting the wall 10Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

11. Heightened Sensitivity Heightened Awareness of Physical Behavioral Interpersonal Intrapersonal 11Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

12. Implication Highly affected by parents’ and teachers’ behaviors and moods Intensity of emotional experience\expression Increasing awareness of their intelligence and level of performance 12Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

13. Analytic Attitude Constant thinking Critical-analytical approach to everything & everyone Questioning authority 13Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

14. Implication Noncompliance Conflict with society Selective achievement or underachievement 14Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

15. Self-criticism Critical scrutiny of self Dissatisfaction with self 15Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

16. Implications Potential for personal development Perfectionistic attitude toward school work Produces parental anxiety 16Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

17. Hitting the Wall Discrepancy between effort and task demand Manifested in lowering of grades Primary issue: psychological crisis 17Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement

18. Recommendation Encourage Effort in Everything! 18Mendaglio\Giftedness A Cause of Underacheivement