No Contest A few years ago, US writer Alfie Kohn published his book “No Contest”. In this book, Kohn argued that traditional notions of competitiveness as a motivating factor for humans is both overstated and outdated. He suggested that the 21st century needed to find a new metaphor to stimulate achievement, instead replacing competition with collaboration and rivalry with cooperation. He was particularly opposed to the use of rankings for students as a means of motivating them to higher standards of achievement. Setting one child against another was a dangerous thing to do and did much more harm than good. See for example newfoundations/GALLERY/Kohn.html Kohn has been quite a prolific commentator on educational policy making in the past decade or more. He questions the value of homework, he opposes standardised testing and he advocates empowerment and self-discipline as key components of academic achievement. His thinking resonates somewhat with the influential voice of Sir Ken Robinson whose TED Talk “How Schools kill creativity” is one of the most widely ever viewed. ted/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity. Take a moment to view the talk, if you haven’t already done so. I mention these sources because of something that occurred a few days ago. This week I watched our First XI Football Team play the Grand Final of the CIS Cup. It was an exciting, hard fought and challenging match in which our team played with courage and skill. In the second half our team was soundly beaten by their fast-finishing opponents. We congratulate the victors on their well-deserved win and we also commend our team for their outstanding achievement in reaching the Grand Final of such a highly regarded tournament. Football_1stIX.jpg However, the atmosphere in the ground was difficult for a Barker supporter. We were heavily outnumbered and out-cheered. Our small busload of loyal supporters and their families and senior staff were overwhelmed by three busloads of raucous supporters from the opposing school and seemingly a very large number of former students. For a while the sounds of chants, the dances and the beating of drums added much to the sense of occasion. When our opponents drew ahead and began to dominate, the cheering seemed to me to become more insulting towards our players and our supporters. Emulating TV scenes from football fans elsewhere, flares were lit and a different tone descended on the occasion. The final victory celebrations were also difficult. In the face of this hostility, our lads carried themselves with courage and distinction, which made me very proud of them. I am grateful that the Principal of the opposing school contacted me the following day to apologise for the conduct of his former students and asked me to pass on this sentiment to our community and to our team. There is an assumption that competition is good for us all, especially for boys. There is an assumption that loyalty and tribalism emphasises belonging and helps everyone to engage with the world around them. There is an assumption that unity comes from identifying a challenge and rising together to defeat this challenge. It’s hard not to be swept up in the moment on such occasions. We see it regularly enough in the CAS rounds and, to be honest, we can be just as vocal at times. Usually, it’s great fun and adds much to the feeling of being part of a strong school. However, it is extremely important to remember that all experiences we provide here at Barker College pre-eminently should be about education. All that we do must reflect our Values and our Mission: To inspire and to show commitment, compassion, courage, integrity and respect under God. There is a place for vigorous and well managed competition. I see it most weekends and in most fixtures. There is also a place for measurement of excellence, and for knowing what “good” quality really means and how to achieve it. However, not every girl or every boy is motivated by the scoreboard of life. For many people, competition can be isolating and intimidating. It’s no fun being the last child picked to be on the team; and it’s not inspiring to be mocked by your opponents for your best efforts. There’s always a place for grace, for compassion and for collaboration with others. This is the Barker College way that we cherish. The future of our world will be built on such hopes and it will be far more enduring than the memory of flares and the mocking when the last goal is scored. Peace Phillip Heath - Head of Barker College. PS For a longer discussion on the complex issues of tribalism and competition consider Rene Girard’s theory of mimetic desire: cottet.org/girard/desir1.en.htm.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 08:53:19 +0000