Why competition matters
Competitions are a part of student life. They can be about anything – mathematics, science, sports, art or even building robots. Sometimes, students might feel scared or unsure about entering competitions. However, they have hidden benefits that can help students grow and learn in different ways. Let’s find out why participating in competitions matters:
Why does participation matter?
● Learning new things: Competitions help develop new skills and knowledge. Whether it’s solving maths problems, writing stories or building something interesting, students learn by doing. This hands-on experience is different from regular classroom learning. It makes lessons come alive.
● Building confidence: Competitions help students believe in themselves. Sharing your work in front of people can be scary, but the fear starts to fade once you give it a try. This boost in confidence can help students in other areas of life, like making new friends or speaking in public.
● Teamwork and communication: Some competitions require working in teams. This teaches students how to cooperate with others, share ideas and solve problems together. Even in individual competitions, students often get help and advice from teachers, friends or family. Learning to communicate and work with others is a valuable life skill.
● Dealing with challenges: Not everything goes perfectly in competitions. Competitions teach students how to face challenges, find solutions and keep trying even when things get tough.
● Discovering passions: Competitions can help students find what they are passionate about. It might be sports, music, writing or something else. This discovery can guide them in choosing hobbies, subjects to study, or even future careers.
● Meeting new people: Competitions are a great place to meet students with similar interests. Meeting new people can open up new opportunities and help students build a supportive network.
● Fun and excitement: Lastly, competitions are fun. The thrill of preparing, participating, and seeing the results is great. Even if students don’t win, the experience itself can be enjoyable and memorable.
How to start -
Here are some easy tips to help you make the most out of competitions:
☆ Choose the right competition: Pick a competition that matches your interests and skills. This will make it more fun and less stressful.
☆ Prepare well: Research, practice and study for the competition. The more you practise, the better you will get.
☆ Manage your time: Plan your time well so you can balance studying, practising and relaxing.
☆ Learn from others: Watch and learn from other students. See what they do well and try to improve your own skills.
☆ Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, friends or family for help. They can give you good advice and support.
☆ Stay positive: Believe in yourself and stay positive. It’s okay to make mistakes because they help you learn and grow.
☆ Learn from failure: Don’t be discouraged by failure. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
By following these easy tips, you can do well in school and life.
Overcoming fears: Many students avoid competitions because they feel they’re not good enough and have no chance of winning. Some worry that their friends might tease them if they don’t perform well. There’s also the fear of disappointing parents and teachers. However, it’s important to remember that competitions are more about learning and growing than just winning. With the right support and a positive mindset, these fears can be overcome, and you can participate with confidence. If you feel pressure from friends, parents or teachers to win, remind them of Confucius’ wise words: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.”
