There are varying opinions regarding the competitiveness of school education. Some people believe that competitiveness has negative effects on children, while others argue that a competitive environment can encourage better performance. Both perspectives can be valid depending on the circumstances.
Each child possesses a unique set of skills. In a competitive environment, the focus often shifts toward outcomes, which can overshadow the diverse abilities of different children. This type of competitiveness promotes exam-oriented learning, where children prioritize obtaining high marks over truly understanding the knowledge they are gaining. Such an approach can be unfair to children with different talents, akin to asking a fish to climb a tree. For early education, a supportive environment that emphasizes creativity and inclusivity may prove to be more beneficial for children.
On the other hand, there are advantages to a competitive environment. In certain situations where children must be selected for different areas of study—such as higher education—competitiveness can help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. A healthy competitive atmosphere can also motivate students who may lack ambition, encouraging them to put in more effort and leading to overall improvement for the group. Studies have shown an increase in grades in classrooms where students are ranked in various subjects. Researchers observed that comparing students through rankings motivated them to study more and strive for a higher position in subsequent exams.
In conclusion, a competitive environment can have either positive or negative effects on children, largely depending on factors such as their age and the subject matter. In my opinion, competition in primary and middle school may have detrimental effects on students. Conversely, high school students may benefit from competition, as it can encourage them to work harder.