Student performance that falls noticeably short of potential, especially for young people with high ability, is bewildering and perhaps the most frustrating of all challenges both teachers and parents face.
— Sally Reis

All individuals have the ability to learn and attain self-fulfillment; however, many children are at risk of failing to achieve their academic potential. Although gifted students are one group of exceptional learners who are not normally considered at risk for academic failure, the seeming lack of motivation of many academically gifted students is an area of concern and frustration for many teachers, parents, and counselors. Why do some students, who seem capable of outstanding performance, fail to realize their potential? What causes some gifted students to be more motivated than others? Are there strategies educators and parents can implement to motivate students to achieve academically? Extensive research in educational psychology has demonstrated the relationship between four factors (task value, self-efficacy, environmental perceptions, and self-regulation) and achievement.

While there are many factors that contribute to achievement, motivated students appear to exhibit three key perceptions and a resultant behavior (see Figure 1). First and foremost, students find value in their school experience. School is meaningful for them. Motivated students enjoy what they are doing or believe what they are doing will produce beneficial outcomes. Second, they believe they have the skills to be successful. Third, they trust their environment and expect they can succeed in it. When students value the task or outcome and have positive perceptions of themselves and their opportunities for success, they are more likely to implement self-regulatory behavior, setting realistic expectations and applying appropriate strategies for academic success.

Figure 1
Achievement Orientation Model by Del Siegle and D. Betsy McCoach

 

Del Siegle’s 2020 Online Confratute Keynote on Underachievement and Student Motivation

Professional Learning Online Units

• NRC/GT’s Researched Strategies to Increase Student Motivation and Academic Achievement (5 comprehensive professional learning units based on the Achievement Orientation Model)

Articles

• Why I Believe I Achieve Determines Whether I Achieve
• Making a Difference: Motivating Gifted Students Who Are Not Achieving
• Curriculum as Motivation for Gifted Students
• Using Self-Regulated Learning to Reverse Underachievement in Talented Students
• Reconsidering Regular Curriculum for High Achieving Students, Gifted Underachievers, and Relationship between Gifted and Regular Education
• Underachievement in Gifted and Talented Students with Special Needs
• Compensation Strategies Used by High Ability Students with Learning Disabilities

Additional Videos

• Using SEM Pedagogy to Reverse Underachievement in Talented Students

Support the Renzulli Center