Usually the word competition is most commonly associated with sports and athletics where individuals compete with each other either individually or in teams. However, competitions are also seen in schools and classroom settings where students strive to achieve academic tasks and try to prove them to be smart.

As students learn to compete in classrooms in small groups, this continues throughout their lives. Several researches were done to investigate cooperative versus competitive learning and effect of motivation on achievement. Studies have revealed that competitions, especially healthy competitions, driven by motivation rather than revenge are very effective and have significant effects on academic achievements.

The classroom structure and environment is also important. Teacher-created tasks have an effect on how children develop attitudes towards learning. For example, a very difficult task can either challenge students or demotivate them. Usually tasks that prompt students to compare their abilities are competitive. Similarly, educational contests help students to work and learn in order to achieve some reward and prove their superiority above other groups.

Researches also indicate gender differences i.e. males are more competitive in nature than women. It also differs according to race, gender and age. Similarly, students from cultures that put more emphasis on individualism; like European countries are more competitive in nature than others who put focus on collectivism; such as Asian or African countries.

Besides being positively competing each other, there is also a negative impact on students’ motivation and learning attitudes. The tendency to become hyper competitive i.e. winning at any cost can cause hostility and disrespect for the opponent.  And also, if a student fails again and again despite of all his efforts, he may start assuming the world to be unfair to him. This can develop negative behaviors like jealousy, evilness and envy.

Therefore it is very important to develop a safe and healthy competition environment for children.