What strategy might Mr. Bates implement to help his gifted, underachieving students?

Allowing gifted, underachieving students to pursue individual interests and explore complex tasks is an effective strategy because it recognizes and builds upon their intrinsic motivation and unique strengths. Gifted students often thrive when they are given the opportunity to engage with material that they find personally meaningful or intellectually stimulating. By encouraging them to delve into topics that pique their interest, Mr. Bates can help ignite their passion for learning and promote a sense of ownership over their education.

Additionally, exploring complex tasks can challenge these students and stimulate their cognitive abilities, fostering a deeper understanding of subjects while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach can lead to increased engagement and can ultimately help them overcome their underachievement by providing them with varied and rich learning experiences tailored to their capabilities. By focusing on their individual interests, Mr. Bates can create an environment that nurtures their talents and encourages them to excel.