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competition can be a good motivator, but generally it isn't. especially not when it comes to something as complex and vaguely defined as learning.

competition matters when there is something scarce to win. but if we apply that to education we already have a problem, because education should not be scarce. hence competition is not the right way to decide who should get access to it.

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Competition drives people to push themselves, and can therefore play a useful role in education.

it can be, but it sets you up to learn for the wrong motivation. it would be better for students to learn to push themselves for their own sake and not for sake of competing with others.

it also will hurt them in the long run at work. while in many companies employees do compete, these kind of workplaces are always toxic and not a good place to work at.

in a good workplace people cooperate, and that is something they need to learn in school.

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