TOO MUCH OF ACADEMIC PRESSURE
The foundations of our education system are Western which is primarily influenced by the Greek and Roman. The emphasis was on language, logic, and reason, the chief functions of the left cerebral brain. If the foundations of the learning system been different like based on the philosophy of Buddha, Mahavir, Jesus and other Eastern philosophers and thinkers, the emphasis would have been on caring, nurturing, meditation which are the function of the right cerebral brain. But, since the times of the Greek masters to the present day, education primarily focuses on linguistic intelligence and on mathematical-logical intelligence. These two levels of intelligences came to be fixed as measures of all intelligences. Schools and universities built their curriculum of academics around the development of two fixed intelligences. It is through tests and examinations, where the student’s superior cerebral development compared to the other students.

The IQ tests still measure intelligence quotients based on logic, reason and language.

But   mounting   evidence   through   clinical   studies, experiments and research on the human brain has forever shattered the myth of fixed intelligences. The human brain has the potential to develop at least eight different intelligences, such as:
1. Linguistic intelligence: It is the ability to read, speak and write well.

2. Mathematical-Logical intelligence: It is the ability to reason, calculate and think logically. This ability is highly developed in economists, scientists, engineers, lawyers and accountants.

3. Visual-Spatial intelligence: The ability to paint, draw, take imaginative photographs, create sculptures, or to visualize three-dimensional space. This ability is highly developed in navigators, architects, and also in artists.

4. Musical intelligence: The ability to compose songs, sings, play musical instruments, create poetry, use rhyme and rhythm.

5. Interpersonal or social intelligence: It is the ability to relate to others; you will find this ability strong in salespeople, teachers, and natural leaders.

6. Intrapersonal or reflective intelligence: is the ability to focus on inner feelings, draw conclusions from experiences, and make plans. This ability is strong in people who meditate, and in psychotherapists.

7. Physical intelligence: is the ability to use one’s hands or body. You will find this ability strong in athletes, gymnasts, dancers and craftsmen.

8. Naturalist intelligence: is the ability to understand and be in tune with Nature. You will find this ability strong in ecologists, environmentalists and gardeners.

For helping the under achievers parents and teachers will have to help children master skills in overcoming the handicap in language, logic and reason. You will have to exercise patience to understand the root cause why underachievers are unable to cope with problems or academic material presented to them. If early childhood educators could identify children who either procrastinate or divert attention from one activity to another, then the problem could be nipped in the bud. Using creative and exciting games with small, easy tasks built into them to ensure that the children win frequently and in quick succession. Encourage children frequently with enthusiastic confidence-building statements. Through creative activities and through personalized attention and care, even the most distracted and restless children quickly respond to performing and participating in everyday classroom activities.