Gifted underachieving students : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Motivation has been shown to be a key factor in achievement for all students. In dealing with gifted underachieving students it is crucial that we be able to relate motivation to potential. There is a misperception of gifted underachievers as being unmotivated, but review of the literature suggests this is untrue. It is not that they are unmotivated, but that they are not motivated by typical rewards or punishments. Therefore, it is important that teachers and parents understand what does motivate these students.