Advantages and Disadvantages of Competition

Competition is a confusing thing. It teaches some good things and some bad things, but it’s how you handle competition that decides what you take away from it. Specifically in school, where people spend a good part of their life in, competition is almost always there. Whether it’s simply raising your hand before another student, or participating in the spelling bee, you will most likely have done something competition-like in your school days. How can competition help a student? How will it negatively affect them? We’ll see.

First, we will look at how competition can be a good thing for students. Loss plays a big role in Competition. Even the word loss seems negative, and it is, but if students learn how to deal with loss at an early age, then they will become better people in the future. This is why things like the spelling bee are so important, they teach kids that’s it okay to lose, by having a party afterward after the spelling bee even if you didn't win. Plus, it can also teach kids what winning is about, because, let’s face it, a pizza party wouldn't be fun if you were the only one there. Teaching kids these values are essential to them growing up to become a better person.

Now, let’s look at some of the not-so-good things that competition can influence. School competition usually does not take place over weekends, it mostly occurs on school days, so students can get overwhelmed if they have homework or a project to do. Even worse, if the reward is high enough in their eyes, they might drop other activities they enjoy just to have a chance at winning. This is not a good thing to do, as they can also be very unhappy if they lose since they put in so much effort, and this might discourage them to ever try anything like it again. The feeling of not wanting to disappoint their teachers or parents also plays a big role in this situation. A good thing they should do is ask themselves, “Is this victory more important than this activity or this thing? If it isn't, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, but don't push other things aside just for this.

Now, here is the final point, is competition good in schools, Or rather, good for students? I say it is because most competitions are optional, so students have a choice whether or not they want to participate and even in cases where it’s not optional, like a trip to a band competition, there is usually a free pass given to students, so they won't have to worry about missing some assignments. If students keep a cool head in competitions, and they don't be a sore loser, just the experience alone can be a sufficient reward.

In conclusion, competition can be a good or bad thing based on how the participants' act. As long as they are respectful to one another, don't get cocky and inflate their ego, and don't complain when they lose, Competition is one of the best learning tools and experiences you can have.