What additional factor contributes to the underachievement of gifted students?

The underachievement of gifted students can often be attributed to a lack of challenge in their work. Gifted students typically possess advanced abilities and talents that allow them to grasp concepts more quickly than their peers. When the academic material presented to them fails to provide an adequate level of challenge, these students may become disinterested, disengaged, or frustrated. This situation can lead them to lower their performance to match the perceived ease of the work, which ultimately culminates in underachievement.

In contrast, overly challenging tasks can sometimes discourage students, but the core issue for many gifted learners is the absence of stimulating content that motivates them to perform to their full potential. Therefore, providing appropriately challenging work is crucial in fostering an environment where gifted students can thrive and achieve at high levels.