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Is competition among classmates beneficial or detrimental to student motivation?

Jayson Vertey

Competition among classmates can be beneficial or detrimental to student motivation depending on how it is approached and managed. On the one hand, healthy competition can push students to strive for excellence, improve their performance, and develop skills such as perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. When students are challenged and inspired by their peers, they may feel more engaged, confident, and driven to succeed. Moreover, competition can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and receive feedback and recognition for their efforts. This can enhance their self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-efficacy, which are essential for academic and personal growth.

On the other hand, competition can also be harmful to student motivation if it fosters a culture of comparison, pressure, and anxiety. When students feel threatened or intimidated by their peers, they may become defensive, avoid taking risks, or rely on cheating or other unethical practices to gain an advantage. This can lead to a decline in learning, creativity, and innovation, as well as mental health problems such as depression, stress, and burnout. Additionally, competition can reinforce stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, creating further barriers to equity and inclusion in education.

Therefore, the key to making competition a positive force for student motivation is to balance it with collaboration, empathy, and respect. Instead of promoting a winner-takes-all mentality, educators and students can foster a growth mindset that values effort, progress, and learning from mistakes. They can encourage students to set personal goals that align with their passions and values, rather than comparing themselves to others. They can provide opportunities for students to work in teams, share their ideas, and give and receive feedback in a constructive and supportive way. They can also promote diversity and inclusivity by celebrating differences, challenging biases, and creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.

In conclusion, competition among classmates can be a double-edged sword for student motivation, but it is not inherently good or bad. It depends on how it is used and managed, and whether it is balanced with other factors that promote healthy and sustainable growth. By embracing a positive and collaborative mindset, students can benefit from competition as a means of enhancing their skills, passion, and resilience, rather than as a source of stress, anxiety, and division.