Underachievement and motivation in gifted children

During this session, Leisa will explore the concept of underachievement and how this pertains to gifted children. The different types of gifted underachievers will be outlined, as well as strategies that can be effective when working with these different groups of students. A brief overview of motivational theories that are relevant to this paradoxical phenomenon will be presented. She will discuss the continuum of motivation and demonstrate how this relates to the schooling context of gifted students. Leisa will provide some evidence-based strategies that parents, and teachers, can apply when addressing the needs of their gifted underachievers.
 

Leisa Taylor - Bio

Leisa Taylor is an educational advisor who specialises in curriculum differentiation and educational support for gifted students, particularly the twice-exceptional (2e). She has worked and studied in the field of education for the past 15 years and is currently completing a post-graduate study in gifted education and psychology. She is currently researching the impact of schooling experiences on parental and student well-being, particularly in relation to 2e students and underachievement.

Leisa is the founder of Taylored Solutions, an innovative service that aims to meet the needs of students in alternative learning contexts. She offers a range of educational options and can provide guidance of curriculum planning for home-schooled children. As the parent of three gifted children, two of whom are twice-exceptional, Leisa appreciates the complexity these children bring to life, and the struggles that this can create for parents and teachers.  She undergoes regular professional development and is a member of SPELD Qld, SENG and QAGTC where she is the current secretary of the QAGTC West Branch.