This article introduces the concept of effectivity, which is the power to be effective or to achieve a certain effect to accomplish one's goals, in this case, desired school or life achievement. Giftedness would be better defined and developed in terms of effectivity than in terms of various concepts of ability. The concept of effectivity hinges…

Using quantile regression analyses, this study examines gender gaps in mathematics, science, and reading in Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Qatar, Tunisia, and Turkey among 15-year-old students. The analyses show that girls in Azerbaijan achieve as well as boys in mathematics and science and overachieve in reading. In Jordan,…

The main purpose of this study was to examine the classroom, teacher and student factors distinguishing grade three classes performing at higher levels than expected, in relation to socioeconomic status (SES) and language factors, from classes performing below their potential with regard to the same factors. Data from a standardized reading…

Using quantile regression analyses, this study examines gender gaps in mathematics, science, and reading in Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Qatar, Tunisia, and Turkey among 15 year-old students. The analyses show that girls in Azerbaijan achieve as well as boys in mathematics and science and overachieve in reading. In Jordan,…

This article reports on the characteristics of students classified as being over or underachievers. The concepts of over and underachievement are most frequently defined in terms that relate to expectations based on ability measures. During the past 30 years there have been attempts to isolate the causal determinants of achievement. Variables such…

In this study the responses of 30 colleges seniors who over-achieved in terms of predicted grade point average (GPA), were compared with those made by 38 high ability under-achievers. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and GPA's were compared with those for two groups of students performing as predicted. Over-achievers were found to be…

Using the College Student Questionnaires (CSQ), Part I, data on student performance of two different entering classes at eight colleges were studied to identify the characteristics of freshmen women students associated with overachievement/underachievement during the first college year. Overachievers were defined as those whose overall average was…

Discusses the allocative and selective procedures of a multiracial British comprehensive school. Argues that future studies should consider which students attend which schools and take which courses. Addresses student placement based on English, mathematics, and social studies test results. Concludes that the term "underachiever" is a…

This research project was inspired by an observation that in written descriptions of pupils by student teachers, gender appeared to play a role in the words used to describe successful students. Girls were interpreted as "overconscientious," while boys were regarded as "scientific types." The project centered on Anna, an…

In 1982-83, a study was undertaken at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) to ascertain the attributes and learning processes of high-achieving students of relatively low aptitude so that these attributes and processes might be taught to other students to improve their achievement. Interviews were conducted with 26 CCC students who belonged to or…

DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES BETWEEN ADVANTAGED AND DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS, AND DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES BETWEEN INCONSISTENT STUDENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED MAJORITY GROUPS WERE EXPLORED. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY, THE INCONSISTENT STUDENT WAS DEFINED AS EITHER A STUDENT FROM AN ADVANTAGED BACKGROUND WHO WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOL, OR A STUDENT…

The 4 reports contained in this document present the results of a pilot study of differential coping behavior among siblings. The IRGOP researchers proposed to investigate the factors related to why some children achieve well in school and thereby take the first step in moving out of poverty. Four areas of concern -- human development, sociology,…