Parallel Session Proceedings »
3.4.14 Solving Underachievement: Eleven Steps to Strengthening Tenacity, Resilience, and Mental Perseverance
Underachievement has been the most prevalent issue affecting gifted students, their performance in school, and opportunities in life. When school is too easy to create a challenge, gifted students may fail to learn many coping mechanisms and strategies for successful living that others may take for granted, thereby increasing their fragility to a host of organism-weakening agents.
While researchers have long cited findings about the enormous implications of underachievement, recently a more positive view of tenacity has gained traction. This perspective of creating a roadmap for success is variously attributed to grit and other habits of successful people. Presenters will cite research and strategies that contribute to achievement among students.
Presenters will discuss the importance of productive failure, as well as how to help students develop goal-oriented attitudes. Participants will learn the role of long-term goals, curiosity, motivation, enjoyment, self-confidence, and competence in creating a successful student and adult.
Tough, P. (2013). How children succeed: Grit, curiosity and the hidden power of character. Mariner.
Duckworth, AL, Peterson, C; Matthews, MD., & Kelly, DR (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 9, 1087-1101.
Dockterman, D. (2013). Three ways to foster productive failure. Accessed on 21 January 2014 at ASCD Express.
Morin, A. (2013). Mentally strong people: The 13 things they avoid. (11/18/2013). Accessed on 21 January 2014 at Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/11/18/mentally-strong-people-the-13-things-they-avoid/
Reis, S. M. & McCoach, D. B. (2000). The underachievement of gifted students: What do we know and where do we go? Gifted Child Quarterly, 44, 152-170.Marano, H. E. (2004).
Nation of Wimps. Psychology Today. Accessed on 21 January 2014 at http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200411/nation-wimps