Types of Underachievers

According to multiple intelligence theory each child has different intelligence than other. Therefore they require different learning approaches to study better. Similarly if some children show poor academic performance there must not be a single reason behind that. Not all the student underachieves because of similar reasons. In a school there could be various types of underachievers. To understand the needs of an individual underachiever in order to provide appropriate support it is good to know the different types. 
Heacox (1991) has provided nine profiles of underachievers. These are,

The Rebel: They believe that there is no connection between school and the outside world. Therefore classroom activities and assignments are of no importance to the rebel. Their visions for the future are idealistic, particularly for occupations.

The Conformist: They can perform well in school, however decides it is not worth it. They feel pressure from peers, they want to mingle with them and not be prominent.

The Stressed Learner: They are also known as the perfectionist. A student might not perform well academically always. He or she may stop trying to achieve out of fear for making mistakes.

The Struggling Learner: This type of learner pass with little efforts  in early years however, could not coop with the studies later as it become more challenging to them. They are unaware of the essential learning, managing time, and organizing assignments.  Ultimately, the student begins to look below average in his or her potential to learn.

The Victim:  These students do not take responsibility for their failure. They often appear with lame excuses for incomplete or inappropriate work. This type of student may not have been given responsibility for their work at early age and being facilitated a lot.  

The Distracted Learner:  These students are more concern about the world outside the school that affects their academic performance. There could be various reasons for this behavior for instance, family issues, problems with friends, or victimization of verbal or physical abuse. Tension and nervousness becomes a prominent factor in these students’ life. 

The Bored Learner: These could be students either needs more challenging activities in the academic setting due to advanced skills and abilities or are afraid of failure. So whenever there is a bored student, there is a need to vigilantly analyze the actual cause. 

The Complacent Learner: This student is satisfied with his learning at school and doesn't appear to have any academic difficulties. However, due to the adult’s pressure who think that he could do better in school he or she may defy when ideas are forced on him or her. 

The Single-Sided Achiever:  The student who becomes selective about subjects taught at school. He or she chooses by him or herself that few classes are of worth where other does not. Therefore, he or she decides to achieve in some classes and underachieve in others. 




This is outlook of one researcher. In next article I will share perspective of another researcher.