In researching this this question I have found that the majority of the academic education world finds a competitive classroom is far less productive and far less conducive to learning then a cooperative classroom.
The research shows that competition in a classroom is often more harmful then good. It can discourage students, in can erode self-esteem, it can perpetuate a loser mentality. It can be linked to bullying as the power dynamic between the winners and the losers can develop. It can even be harmful to those that are intrinsically driven. For those that would succeed on their own, they end up learning less. Instead of focusing on the learning and knowledge to succeed they focus on the competition instead. This split focus may allow them to be winners but it detracts from their subject knowledge and therefore lessens their learning. “when thinking is presented only in terms of winning or losing, the students can lose sight of how to learn and why they are learning.” (Jarmy, 2013)
So even if we think that cooperative classrooms are better then competitive classrooms. Do we truly believe that removing competition form the classroom all together is the solution? Just how far is too far, when it comes to eliminating competition from the classroom. Schools have started to band any forms of competition in the classes. School districts have eliminated things like: Spelling bee’s, Science fairs, debate clubs, etc. Some have gone so far as to eliminate honour roles and have no valedictorians at graduation. These are all happening in an effort to eliminate competition.
I say we have gone too far! I say that we need balance in the classroom. I say its up to us as educators to take the very best from competition and incorporate it into our cooperative classrooms. “Competition needn’t be a zero-sum game: a fresh approach can make it a positive experience for all students- even if they lose.” (Jarmy, 2013)
The “Focus has shifted from trying your “personal best” to mediocrity. It is important to raise awareness about why educators should not loose sight of how essential competition is to young children and how the implementation of healthy competition in the classroom will prepare a child for life after school days.” (Attle, 2010) This is so related to business and the real world. Where we strive to be the best in a position to get raises and promotions. If we do not teach our students this how can we expect them to be prepared for life after school? It is not enough to fill them with knowledge we must instill them with skills that they can use when they enter the different stages of their lives. First onto a post secondary, whether that be trade school or college or University. Then on to their careers and job opportunities. Competition is a fact of life and until society becomes an utopian society we will need to educate students on how to deal with competition. “according to a poll conducted by Education Debates (2010), on the question whether or not competition is necessary in the learning process, 66% of people said yes and 34% responded no.” (Attle, 2010) These numbers clearly show that society still see’s competition as an essential skill. “We are currently in an era where we teach adolescents that everyone wins and no one can actually fail. If the professional world is ruled by competition, why shouldn’t we expose our children to such competition as early as possible? (Birbalsingh, 2011)
I think we can do both, educate and prepare. We need to change the perception of competition. We need to show students the value in competing itself. Not focus on the end result of winning or losing but that competing is the fun and its own reward. That if you compete, win or lose, you have won something. You have gained in knowledge, experience or enjoyment.
Its about teaching students to win gracefully and lose with dignity! That every competition has something to offer regardless of the outcome.