SITE: http://www.courtneyanderson.com/swca-episode-138-educatorsrsquo-eden-series-teaching-the-underachiever.html

SHOW NOTES: This episode is part of our EDUCATORS’ EDEN™ series! This specific episode is, “Teaching the Underachiever!” 

Underachiever: : someone (such as a student or athlete) who does not perform as well or work as hard as he or she can Underachiever. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underachiever 

Why?

- Capable and unmotivated students

- Motivated and unskilled students

“The phenomenon known as “stereotype threat.” Members of groups believed to be academically inferior — African-American and Latino students enrolled in college, or female students in math and science courses — score much lower on tests when reminded beforehand of their race or gender.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/opinion/sunday/intelligence-and-the-stereotype-threat.html?_r=0)

-Combat your stereotypes (what you think about students) 

-Combat stereotype threat (what students think about themselves) 

-Create an environment that addresses attributional style issues

-Demonstrate consistent behavior that establishes and confirms the intrinsic value of your students and your belief in their capabilities.

Let's teach (and enjoy it)!