There is notable criticism of the current school system, especially regarding how it stresses testing and competition. Some argue that this system doesn't help students learn effectively and that academics focus on test scores. Cognizant of this fact, when students compete in a healthy environment, the competition encourages each student to do their best rather they remain at perform poorly. Some educators indicate that while competition can motivate students to solve, stir, and resolve issues and increase the value of collaboration, however, it can also cause stress or anxiety if taken seriously.
The team of "resilienteducator.com (2018)" Discuss the pros and cons of a competition-competitive learning environment. Succinctly, students can learn better when they learn in a cooperative environment and help teach others, where in this case, there is likely to students who might be left behind with poorly performing can be brought up by their peers. However, the disadvantages of this type of learning environment are: It can be difficult for a teacher to accurately evaluate the progress of individual students. Also, students may not be motivated to excel if they cognize that their classmates will do the same activities that are needed. What's more, students get frustrated if their efforts are not recognized. On the contrary, students in a competitive learning environment, face the real-world challenge of competition. In addition, students can still work in teams yet compete against other teams—it can be a convenient way to enliven the classroom environment. However, the cons of this learning environment are several students may become apathetic if they fall too far behind the rest of their classmates. Furthermore, earning high grades and teacher approval is further important than actual learning.
Despite this, it is critical that educators work to teach students in a healthy environment, to this end, Cameron (2013) suggested that protecting students in a competitive learning environment, for instance: Competition can be healthy when it provides feedback to students about their performance and improvement, when winning is not the sole or primary objective, and when students learn about themselves in challenging situations. In these circumstances, competition can teach invaluable lessons students do not typically learn in the classroom. Unfortunately, the frequent win-at-all-costs mentality associated with many competitive endeavors can undermine children’s motivation and lead them to avoid or even disengage from activities they may otherwise enjoy. It is standard for people to judge themselves against others, thus in that respect competition is relatively healthy. A supportive environment can teach students to accept failure without losing self-esteem. Also, a competitive environment teaches students critical thinking skills, creative problems solving, and decision-making. Without those skills, countries can’t compete in a global economy. End the ‘all must have prizes’ culture; thus, students enjoy activities with a highly competitive spirit”.
In conclusion, there is a fact that a good design of a competitive-learning environment is suitable for students, where students are encouraged to do their best and face a real challenge that prepares them for real life. However, there is a "healthy boundary that should be respected in the competitive learning environment, and students, teachers, and parents can work together to find the right balance" (American heritage schools).
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