Such an unusual event took place this morning that I am still mulling over it and what it actually means. My daughter is doing an art exam , her first "big" exams as a secondary school student. She enrolled in this exam as an independent student, not with the school. This means that she had to find her way to the exam Centre this morning. Her teacher signed up 2 other students with her. When the three of them got to the venue there was a lot of confusion about the conducting of the exam, and there was no official from the examining body to assist them.
One student was accompanied by her art teacher who was able to make some phone calls. According to my daughter in her phone call to me, the art teacher came running back to them , told them that they were at the wrong venue, took her student and left. My daughter and her 2 peers were left to figure out how to get themselves to the new venue and how to represent themselves well enough so that they will not lose the hour of the exam time that had already passed.
Many questions remained in my mind-
Did the teacher not spare a thought about the other students' predicament?
How does a teacher function as a teacher without caring about all students in general? How do we interrupt the pattern of single-mindedness in a profession that is supposed to be concerned about young people in general?
Is the sense of competition so deeply embedded in us, especially in those who are entrusted with the task of seeing that all children learn well? If so, how do we end that vicious cycle?
Monday, May 16, 2005
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1 comments:
Thanks for your interesting article Marilyn re competition versus co-operation. I have been fielding this discussion for years but finding it hard to make my point in a country such as Australia with competitive sport.
At 8 yrs of age, my daughter was humilated when, at the after school sports selection, a team was chosen, rudely flicking aside those who were not proficient. A very very competitive trainer was only interested in a team to WIN at all costs. My interest in competition v co-operation has only gathered in momentum over the following twenty years. My daughter's beautiful young friend, with excellent sporting ability has very low esteem and was always using excuses when the team 'lost' or she 'failed' of missed points at exams. I have noticed other children with low self esteem when they have had wonderful attributes but were also taught to be competitive. I feel that if there is only one winner, and many 'loosers', than what else do they learn but that they are loosers. Obviously many parents will see this trend and re-educate their children along the way but for many, they can continue to be 'loosers' along life's highway.
It is difficult to have someone understand that one doesn't have to compete at all. By being an individual and not competing, one can be choses for jobs for their fresh approach and individuality.
Don't compete, or put another way, compete with yourself to become bigger, better,faster, more proficient. We need to show our young people that helping others is a strong motivational tool that is not at our personal expense but a strong tool that builds bridges, happy families,strong coporations and peaceful and non-combatting nations.
Lorraine (Business Manager)
Email rhunter@powerup.com.au
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