SELF HELP Academic Underachievement

There are many reasons for underachievement by a student (normal, gifted). Reasons could be BIOLOGICAL, (poor vision, hearing, etc), PSYCHOLOGICAL (lack of reinforcement, peer pressure, distractions, etc), or SOCIOCULTURAL (socioeconomic status, education of parent, etc).

Academic underachievement occurs when the student performs poorer than expected performance (poorer than might have been predicted from intelligence tests) in school / academics.

The STUDENT underachievement shows up in following ways:
? Repeated failure to complete school or homework assignments on time.
? Academic performance is below the student’s intelligence.
? Heightened anxiety that interferes with student’s performance during tests.
? Depression and low self-esteem that contribute to academic underachievement.
? Poor organization or study skills that contribute to academic performance.

The REASONS for underachievement could be:
? Lack of self-discipline. Depression or low self-esteem.
? Power struggle/Passive aggressive.
? Exposed to chaotic environment.
? Has become lazy. Has repeated school failures. Poor study skills.
? Poor vision, hearing, speech problem (adding to low self-esteem)
? Low socio-economic status leading to lack of facilities.
? Less educated parents, due to which proper guidance at home is not given to the child.
? Lack of reinforcement.
? Peer pressure

The HELP for underachievement:
? Six factors having a positive impact on their academic performance:
o out-of-school interests,
o parents,
o goals associated with academic achievement,
o classroom instruction and curriculum,
o the teacher, and
o Changes in self.

? Refer the student for a hearing, vision and medical examination.
? Remove emotional impediments or environmental stressors in order to improve academic performance.
? Encourage parents to maintain regular (at least weekly) communication with teachers to help the student remain organized and keep up with

assignments.
? Parents implement intervention strategies to help student keep up with school work
? Set short and long term goals.
? Complete school assignments on a consistent basis
? Discuss your (student’s) negative attitude toward school. Focus on changing that attitude.
? Take help from teacher or school counselor to reduce anxiety related to taking tests.
? Know your learning style. Learn effective study skills (study in quiet places, develop outlines, highlight important details, etc.)
? Monitor academic progress. Discuss accomplishments and setbacks.
? Use planners to record school assignments and plan ahead for long-term projects.
? Give praise and positive reinforcements for academic success. You can celebrate (pamper yourself your success on your own too when you achieve your short term goals.
? Engage in extra curricular activities, outside interest (can provide an “escape” from what the students determined to be less-than-favorable school situations) the area of interest can be an outlet for your frustrations.
? Perceive academic success in school as a source of personal satisfaction and a matter of personal responsibility.
? Be patient. It will take time to reverse the patterns of underachievement. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” Try until you succeed.