The focus of an underachiever (gifted or another student) on nonproductive actions to avoid effort toward success at school.

A student’s belief that they can grow and improve their capabilities over time through learning.

A student’s belief that they cannot grow and improve their capabilities.

A situation in which a child decides there is no point in trying to achieve goals based on repeated experiences in which they’ve found no linkage between work toward goals and outcomes.

A student’s sense of their own ability to make decisions and determine their own outcomes.

A teaching tool in which a group of several students stand in a circle and discuss a subject with questions and prompts from a teacher which encourage further thinking and learning.

A stage of moralistic thinking in which the individual focuses on moral principals that are universal rather than on the established authority of a community. Based on the theory developed by Kohlberg.

A stage of moralistic thinking in which the individual focuses on the physical consequences of their actions regardless of right and wrong. Based on a theory developed by Kohlberg.

A student’s refusal to attempt a goal that he or she may not succeed at to preserve self-concept. A defense mechanism.

The struggle a student faces between trying to achieve balance and a need for validation through exhibiting success.