Competitions can be a barrier

This post is going to highlight some problems associated with gifted and talented students participating in competitions. 

Competitions are not inclusive for all students because some students fear failure and cannot perform under pressure and other students can simply not deal with the stress of trying to reach perfectionism (Riley and Karnes, 2005).  Rimm (1986) states how some gifted and talented students may not be suitable to participate in competitions especially if there is an over emphasis on winning.  It is more suitable for students to compete against themselves for 'self improvement'.  Therefore, it is important that teachers discuss competitions with parents/caregivers before signing students up.  Students need to do their own research into the competition too by asking themselves, "Am I interested in this?  Do I have the skills to carry out the task, the time and the support?  It is also important that schools work out the financial outlay before committing students to the programme. 

Time:  Many competitions require training or extra mentoring that may not be readily accessible.  Deadlines need to be set and careful planning of the competition needs to be implemented.  The teacher needs to ask themselves whether it is beneficial to be training students for competitions during the student's lunchbreak.  Recently, I withdrew my own child from a competition because they got so frustrated they were being held in during their lunchtimes that they no longer wanted to participate.  They felt like they were being punished because 'only the naughty kids stay in at lunchbreak'.

Inequities:  Competitions are programmes to supplement and extend learning using particular skills and can be applied to all students across all curriculum areas depending on the student having sound work and study habits.  Competitions should certainly not be offered in isolation but instead a way for many students to develop their strengths in a range of abilities in an essential learning area.  The competition needs to link in with the curriculum and the student's strengths and interests. 

Competitions are pointless unless the student is able to reflect on their achievement using the competition rubric outlined above in Riley & Karnes (2005).

Another barrier to competitions is the way schools deal with student performance.  If students have performed well they should be recognised not just at school but in the wider community.  Celebrate student success and raise the expectations allowing students who enjoy competitions to be able to better themselves.

Reference:

Riley, T.L., & Karnes, F.A.  (2005).  Problem-solving competitions:  Just the solution!  Gifted Child Today, 28(4), 31-39.

Rimm, S.B.  (1986).  Underachievement syndrome: Causes and cures.  Watertown, WI:  Apple Publishing Company.