Identify underachieving students. These students may say they don't need school or a degree, as mentioned in "Too Cool For School." Students often come to school motivated, but home-life issues or harsh school experiences jade them. Another group will look frustrated or begin a project, only to quit. Underachieving students may perform well part of the time, but fail other times.
Ask students what they like and dislike about class, either verbally or in a class survey. Underachieving students may respond that they are bored or already know the information from class. Some other students underachieve because they do not see a connection between school work and their lives. Compile student thoughts and identify common student themes.
Begin with a few explanations to motivate students who find school boring or unnecessary. To overcome bad attitudes, explain why the current unit or skill is necessary and how long students will be working with it. Connect the class unit to future careers, such as mathematics to an engineer or doctor.
Make learning active for students. Take them to the library to choose books or outside to study rocks. Vary methods of instruction. Do not continually use lecture to present information; use slideshows or video clips. Move students physically, either acting out literature or moving into groups.
Allow students to choose their focus of study, within reason. For a class discussion over literature, allow students to choose which character or theme to analyze. Provide several discussion questions and ask students to pick one to answer. Speak directly with individual students, especially those you identified as underachieving. Ask if they want to tweak or change a requirement for a project to make it more meaningful.
Speak to your students in an encouraging manner. Pay attention to them individually so they feel their teacher supports each of them. Acknowledge their feelings about school work's downfalls. Remind them of past successes and your belief in future ones. Praise their efforts and determination.