Smart children have problems too. (adapted from the Journal of Educational Psychology, 88,2:203-214)

Belief in one's abilities has more effect on one's success in school than natural ability or potential, a new study says. The researchers also found that wanting to learn is a better motivation for achievement than external reasons, such as good grades. The researcher asked 77 third- and fourth-graders who scored above the median on the Stanford Achievement Test why they did well in school and-how competent they felt at school. She found that students who were uncertain certain about their ability and who were motivated by external reasons were uninterested in school and declined academically. Students who were certain of their abilities felt more curious and active in their …