Encouraging competition in schools undermines the spirit of cooperation and community from "summary" of The Schools Our Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn
In our schools, competition is often seen as a necessary and even positive force. Children are encouraged to compete with one another in academics, sports, and other activities. The belief is that competition motivates students to work harder and achieve more. However, when we take a closer look at the effects of competition in schools, we see that it can actually have harmful consequences. When students are constantly pitted against each other, it creates an environment where cooperation and community spirit are undermined. Instead of working together to help each other succeed, students are focused on outperforming their peers. This can lead to a culture of individualism and selfishness, where students are more concerned with their own success than the well-being of their classmates. Furthermore, competition can create a sense of hierarchy within schools, where students are divided into winners and losers. This can have a negative impact on students' self-esteem and mental health, as those who are constantly compared to their peers may feel inadequate or like failures. It also reinforces the idea that success is a zero-sum game, where one person's success comes at the expense of others. Instead of promoting competition, we should be fostering a spirit of cooperation and community in our schools. When students work together towards a common goal, they learn important skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. They also develop a sense of belonging and connectedness to their peers, creating a more positive and inclusive school environment.- We can create schools that prioritize the well-being and success of all students. This can lead to a more supportive and nurturing learning environment, where students are encouraged to help each other grow and thrive. Ultimately, by promoting cooperation over competition, we can create schools that truly serve the needs of our children and help them reach their full potential.
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