By Shajeea Kanjiani
When we hear the term competition, it typically evokes thoughts of two or more people striving for similar objectives, where success for one implies the loss for others. The fear of being deemed a failure is inherent in human nature as the desire to excel in our work often takes precedence over recognizing what we learn from failure. Contrary to the emphasis on avoiding failure, it is essential to acknowledge that failures offer more profound insights about the world, often surpassing the lessons learned from success.
Within the educational framework, there is an ongoing debate regarding the pros and cons of competition on students.
Competition can be positive when it is nurtured and effectively maintained within the educational system. In such instances, it enriches the learning process and motivates students towards improved academic performance.
Healthy competition acts as a motivational force, prompting students to actively pursue learning objectives and invest their utmost efforts in attaining them. This, in turn, fosters a sense of independence among students and encourages them to approach life’s challenges with a positive mindset.
Learning and development of students hold greater significance than the mere distinction between any win and loss.
Shajeea Kanjiani
In contrast to the aforementioned arguments, educational institutions and parents establish impractical benchmarks for students. Even those achieving high percentages in the 90s find themselves dissatisfied because they haven’t secured the top position. Consequently, students experience reduced motivation, a diminished enjoyment in the learning process, and heightened stress and anxiety.
The pressure of this competitive environment reaches such an extent that some high schoolers resort to substance abuse as a coping mechanism to evade stress and circumvent the challenges they are unwilling to confront.
Education yields benefits not only for individuals but for society as a whole. The potential for societal progress and prosperity lies in education. Regrettably, the detrimental influence of competition has cast a shadow over the entire learning process, obscuring its inherent value.
Healthy competition acts as a motivational force, prompting students to actively pursue learning objectives and invest their utmost efforts in attaining them.
Shajeea Kanjiani
It is high time to work on making competition healthy for students. Schools and parents bear the responsibility of instilling the understanding that experiencing setbacks and grappling with challenging emotions are integral parts of the learning journey. What is important is they continue improving through learning.
As said earlier, the fundamental objective of education lies in acquiring knowledge, personal growth, and contributing to both individual and societal development. The emphasis should shift from the dichotomy of winning or losing to fostering motivation and deriving enjoyment from the learning process.
Within the classroom, a collaborative approach can be adopted through cooperative learning strategies, wherein students are organized into small groups for assignments. This not only fosters a positive learning environment but also encourages mutual support, thereby mitigating learner anxiety.
Every student is unique, there is no way that they can be compared to each other.
Shajeea Kanjiani
Just like any tool, competition’s impact depends on its use — either positively or negatively. The nature of competition in educational environments and parental guidance determines its merit. Competition should be the process, not the result. Learning and development of students holds greater significance than the mere distinction between win and loss.
Every student is unique, there is no way that they can be compared to each other. Students can be encouraged by saying the simple words ‘Keep it up’, ‘You can do it’, ‘You can make’, etc., These words may sound simple but students want to hear them, they want appreciation so that they can get motivated again and work towards achieving their learning goals.
The author holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jinnah University for Women and is currently pursuing an M.Phil in Psychology at the University of Karachi. Her research and writing focus on the intersection of assessment, education, and societal dynamics.
