Random Thoughts from Current Reading
Catana
4 Comments
An article on underachievement and ways of motivating gifted underachievers who are working below their potential — Is a student who’s making all As working up to his potential? Is school achievement an adequate measure of potential?
One idea from various sources that sticks in my mind — students need a well-rounded education. Concentration on one or a few interests, especially if that interferes with curriculum requirements, is a bad thing. Students must be encouraged to balance their interests. Is the normal school curriculum a balanced education? Don’t outside interests broaden a student’s knowledge.
Is it possible that obsessive interests, pursued long enough are indicative of a talent and possible future intellectual creativity? Is it more important that a student exist within the very limited constraints of the typical curriculum or that they acknowledge and nourish their own needs?
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Reader Comments (4)
If you don't do well in high school, yo're certianly not going to get into a good college where you actually will be challenged. That seems pretty obvious!
Plenty of people have trouble in school relating to a lack of ability. So having trouble in school is not a problem that only the gifted have.
I just think it is incredibly arrogant, short-sighted, and just plain stupid for anybody not to apply themselves in school.
Isn't it possible you're guilty of some arrogance in judging other people without knowing them or their reasons or problems?
Thank you for your comment. I hope you'll read enough of the posts to understand what the blog is about.
I think it is a delicate balance of a well-rounded education and focusing on the one area of passion/giftedness/talent. With my son, we do all we can to support his gift with marine biology while also exposing him to the rest of the world.
I think the answer is another one of those gray ones. There is no black and white answer as to which way is the best way to handle a gifted child.