The Predominance of Higher Intelligence in Underachievement
Why do highly intelligent individuals often underperform in school? The phenomenon, often referred to as 'underachievers,' involves a complex interplay of psychological, social, and educational factors.
Understanding Underachievers
Teachers often label students as 'underachievers,' but this term masks the true nature of what these students are experiencing. Highly intelligent people are quick learners, often picking up new concepts and ideas swiftly, and can feel frustrated by the repetitive and slower pace of traditional schooling. For instance, instead of relying on mundane homework or attending every class, they might choose to read novels or study independently to fill their knowledge gaps. This can result in missed class participation and poor grades, which are often dismissed without deeper consideration.
The Psychology of High Intelligence
Highly intelligent individuals can sometimes lack consistent confidence, which can hinder their ability to complete tasks and perform well academically. This is further exacerbated when they are placed in educational settings that do not challenge them adequately, leading to a failure in recognizing their potential. Without proper confidence, students might give up on tasks or feel unworthy of success, leading to poor performance and lower grades.
Environmental and Social Factors
The environment in which highly intelligent students find themselves can also play a significant role in their willingness to engage or perform well. Many schools are notoriously boring, where teachers may not be as bright or motivated, and the curriculum is often limited to basic and often remedial topics. History lessons might be shallow and devoid of context, and advanced mathematical concepts such as asymptotes and quadratic equations are not adequately explained. This results in students seeing little value in what they are learning, making them indifferent to academic success.
Statistical Insights
Statistics support the idea that highly intelligent individuals are often underachievers in school. A respected study from 40 years ago revealed that approximately half of all high school dropouts tested in the gifted range, indicating a clear mismatch between potential and performance. Furthermore, educational demographics suggest that a significant percentage of the homeless population has the same level of education as the housed population, including a substantial number of master’s degrees and PhDs. This discrepancy highlights the limitations of traditional schooling in accommodating highly intelligent individuals.
Opportunities for Growth
While IQ and income are closely correlated up to an IQ of around 135, the relationship begins to weaken above that level. The skills and interests of highly intelligent individuals often extend beyond financial success, and they may pursue other avenues that better suit their capabilities and aspirations. The educational system, therefore, should be geared towards recognizing and nurturing the unique talents of these individuals rather than pigeonholing them into standardized and often unchallenging curricula.
It is essential to understand and address the challenges faced by highly intelligent individuals to ensure they receive the support and guidance necessary to maximize their potential. By providing an educational environment that challenges and engages them, we can help these underachievers reach their full potential.