4 of 45

Harmful

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

rather I believe the current model of educational competition does not properly achieve the desired objective. If you desire to utilize competition to determine a student's intellectual development, it is necessary to develop a system which accurately reflects the intellectual development of students. The use of a grading system is merely an attempt to associate the intangible aspects of a student's intellect, to the tangible attributes of a grade. This system fails students because it acts as an inaccurate portrayal of their intellect, while at the same time establishing precedent for future measures of intellect. This system does not work because intellect is not constrained by any form of precedent, rather it is continuously developing and obtaining new heights previously unimagined.

It is absolutely necessary to abolish any form of precedent in an educational system, only then can competition be useful. If students are repeatedly placed into a fresh environment where they are not held back by their past performance, they will be able to focus on learning the issues presented to them without the psychological conditioning of knowing how their intellect is defined on paper. By incorporating a competitive environment which focuses on development rather than judgment, this system would then provide a means for students to strive to learn the information without fear of being judged for any failures they encounter along the way. Failures of students should ideally be shrugged off, and viewed as a necessary component of learning rather than a means by which to judge a student.

I am not claiming that the failure of a student is necessary for a student's success; instead, failure needs to be incorporated into the educational system in a responsible matter which allows students to continuously strive for success while furthering their education. My suggestion for an ideal academic system would get rid of the kindergarten through 12th grade system, and replace it with a subject related proficiency assessment system. This system would provide students the opportunity to advance at a faster rate in subject areas which the student is stronger in, while allowing the student more time for gaining necessary proficiency in areas of weakness. This system would place students into a competitive setting with students who are at their level of proficiency in a given area, and thus encourage a competitive environment in which students are on an even playing field. If a student feels equal to his or her peers, I believe the student will be more inspired to try competing with these peers, since the student will not feel incompetent or insufficient in comparison to his or her classmates.

Learn more about this author, J.C. Vogen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Is competition in school helpful or harmful to the students??
We want to hear your view. Write now!