What strategy is effective in addressing underachievement by encouraging ownership of learning?

Incremental goal setting is an effective strategy for addressing underachievement because it empowers students to take ownership of their learning process. By setting smaller, achievable goals, students can experience a sense of accomplishment as they progress, which enhances their motivation and self-efficacy. This process allows them to recognize their growth and adjust their learning strategies as needed.

When students are involved in defining their objectives and milestones, they become more engaged and invested in their own learning journey. This personal investment can lead to increased perseverance and a greater sense of responsibility for their academic performance. Incremental goals also provide opportunities for self-reflection, enabling students to assess their progress and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Other approaches, such as testing knowledge retention, standardized assessments, and comparing with peers, may not foster the same level of personal engagement or ownership. While these methods can provide important insights into student performance, they often place the focus on external measures of success rather than encouraging intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning.