They put other priorities ahead of academic work. In some cases, their health or constant fatigue renders them physically unable to keep up with the demands of high-level performance. Their work may be sloppy or careless. At times, it is incomplete or late. They lack vision and bypass interconnectedness of concepts.
Immediate relevancy is often their singular test for involvement.
Less effort seems to go toward organizing and associating learned information with previously acquired knowledge. They display short-term retention by relying on cramming sessions that focus on details, not concepts. They participate without enthusiasm. Their body language often expresses boredom. Some have exceptional ability but show undeniable signs of poor self-management or bad attitudes.