It can be frustrating for a student who falls into the “learning faster than the rest of the class” category. Such students are often bored in class and often feel like they’re not learning as much as their peers. Unfortunately, this feeling can have some long-term consequences. In this post, we’ll explore seven of the most common consequences of students who learn faster than the rest of the class. If you’re a parent of a child who falls into this category, it’s important to be aware of these potential consequences so you can help your child manage them.
1. The Brain Must Be Challenged to Grow
The brain is more like a muscle, and like any other muscle in the body, it needs to be challenged in order to grow. Children who learn quickly often fail to feel challenged in class. This often means that they are always bored in school. They already know what the teacher is going to say before she’s even finished speaking it, and they’re quickly finished with their homework assignments.
In order to help them adapt and feel mentally challenged, there are a few things you can do. These include:
- Encouraging them to read books that are above their reading level. This will help them develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Ensuring that they get plenty of exercises. Physical activity helps stimulate brain growth.
- Getting them involved in extracurricular activities. Activities like music, dance, and art help children learn new skills while keeping them engaged.
2. Students Who Learn Faster Often Feel Bored in Class
For a student who learns quickly, the constant drone of a teacher covering material at a slow pace can be agonizing. Quick learners are often bored in class and may feel like they are not being challenged. This can lead to problems in school and with social interactions.
To help such a student, parents should talk to the teacher about finding more challenging material or giving the student extra work to do at home. Quick learners need to be constantly challenged to maintain their interest in school and prevent them from feeling bored and alienated from their classmates.
3. They May Become Disruptive in Class
Oftentimes, kids who learn faster than their classmates can become disruptive in class. This is because they quickly become bored and feel unchallenged in a traditional educational setting. As a result, they may act out or become disruptive to get attention or express their frustration.
There is a lot of scientific evidence that suggests that kids who learn faster than the rest of the class are more likely to be destructive. A study by Health Psychology Research found that kids who learned faster were more likely to be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
4. Students Who Learn Faster Often Find It Hard to Create Friendships
It’s no secret that friends are important. They provide support, comfort, and a sense of belonging. But for students who learn faster than the rest of the class, making friends can be more difficult.
Since they often have a higher level of knowledge than their classmates, they can quickly become bored or feel left out. This can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which are detrimental to a student’s development.
Such a student needs to find friends on the same intellectual level as them. This will allow them to have meaningful conversations and develop closer relationships. They may also find satisfaction in being able to help their friends understand complex concepts or problems.
5. Students Who Learn Faster May Become Perfectionists
Some students who learn quickly become perfectionists to keep up with their peers. They feel the constant pressure to be the best and perform at the top of their class. While this may lead to excellent academic results, it can also have negative consequences such as anxiety and depression.
According to the Journal of Educational Psychology, kids who become perfectionists often have long-term effects that can hinder their success. This is because perfectionistic students often have a hard time coping with failure. They often see any mistake as a sign of personal inadequacy, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, perfectionistic students often have high standards for themselves, which can be difficult to maintain over time. This can lead to frustration and, eventually, burnout.
6. They May Have a Hard Time With Change
One of the potential downsides of being a quick learner is that you may have difficulty with change. When everything is always new to you, staying in the same place for an extended period of time may feel a bit stifling. This can be a challenge when adapting to changes.
It’s important to remember that change is a natural and necessary part of life. With time, you’ll learn to adapt and find ways to make the most of any new situation you find yourself in.
The Bottom Line: What “Smart” Kids Really Need
So what do “smart” kids really need? They need a learning environment that is tailored to their needs, allowing them to move at their own pace and explore topics in more depth. They need educational options that go beyond the traditional school system, so they can continue to develop their skills and talents. And finally, they need support from their parents and educators to help them navigate a system that isn’t always designed for them.
If you’re a parent to a student who learns faster than the rest of the class, The Tenney School can help them reach their full potential. Our experienced teachers can develop a personalized learning plan that will challenge them and help them grow. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child reach their academic goals.