What classroom environment feature supports underachievement?

The choice that supports underachievement is characterized by highly competitive conditions with an emphasis on errors. Such an environment can lead to anxiety and a fear of failure among students, particularly gifted and talented individuals who may already have high expectations of themselves. When students are constantly aware of a competitive atmosphere where mistakes are highlighted, they may become discouraged and disengaged from the learning process. This discouragement can result in a tendency to underachieve, as fear of making errors overshadows the joy of learning and exploration.

In contrast, a positive environment would encourage a growth mindset, where students feel safe to take risks and view mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than failures. This difference is crucial in supporting gifted learners to thrive rather than withdraw or diminish their potential.