From a fairly ludic point of view, there is no doubt that competition plays a major role in games of various types. From a simple card match to a sports event on TV, the spirit of challenge is an essential motor for the interest of the individual. However, when the competitive side of people comes into contact with education, several problems begin to take place.
Undoubtedly, there may be some occasions in which the need for a challenge causes a positive psychological reaction to the individual in a learning environment. Indeed, the majority of school systems are designed so that students are evaluated through a range of marks and they are put under pressure through heavy study loads. This systems often allows teachers to spot talented young people inside a class, helping them cultivating their potential. Not only may this system result in the development of a meritocratic environment, but also can make students be more passionate with their duties, comparing their marks with each other and treating their responsibilities like a game.
Nevertheless, this apparently efficient outcome comes with several backlashes. While a number of individuals may have benefits from this, those who are not particulary gifted may suffer from it. In fact, a low mark may lead the the less-gifted student to a feeling of inferiority, making them believe that they are not enough or useless to society. Furthermore, a heavy workload may lead younger individuals to the development of severe mental health issues, such as anxiety, guilt and, in extreme cases, depression. On the whole, schools have to be environments where a child can cultivate their passions, make friendships and confront with individuals, but not from an educational point of view.
In conclusion, while competition may be a helping factor in a child’s mentality, schools need to be places where young boys and girls learn about the world and make an idea of their preferences. For this reason, a competitive school is not something we should be focusing on.