Academic Rat-Race

Academic Rat-Race

Alan D'Silva SDB

Eighteen year old Reena, from the fishing community was found hanging from the ceiling of her house, near Villupuram village, 170km from Chennai. She committed suicide since she could not crack the NEET exam.

We are living in a fast-moving, technologically advanced and extremely competitive world. Life moves and changes in seconds. And it appears that, the law of the world is, ‘The BEST will survive.’ Competition has become a part of daily life. Everyone wants to be better than the other and not just better, but the best.

Positive Effects:

The purpose of education is to create responsible and competent citizens. The competitive structure of education has been a cause of motivation for both teachers and students. It has boosted the performance of the students and has taken education to a whole new level; Teaching strategies have changed, classroom infrastructure has been improved and the teaching faculty has been enhanced.

Negative Effects:

On one hand, competition has proven to be the cause for better academic performance, it has in some cases led to unfortunate consequences. The failure to meet targets has affected the morale and confidence of youngsters. In some, competition has led to stress, depression and disappointment. The disproportionate focus on marks and grades has led to long hours of study and reduced time in relaxation and recreational activities. In extreme cases, it has led to the loss of life.

A Final Word…

Competition is necessary in as much as it helps us to better ourselves and shapes us into competent individuals. It is necessary to engage in competition, but it should be healthy rivalry rather than students participating in a rat-race, in a bid to outperform their peers. It is always an important and noble duty of educators and parents to support children and help them cope with failure.[