From classroom charts of top scorers to repeated praise of certain students, schools often unintentionally teach students that their worth lies in outshining others.
This culture of comparison can lead to envy, anxiety, fear of failure — and even loss of motivation among those who feel they’ll never be “the best.”
️ What We Can Do:
Highlight personal growth, not just top marks
Avoid public ranking systems that pit students against each other
Share success stories from diverse learners, not just the “perfect” ones
Promote team achievements and class-wide milestones
Reflection Point:
Are we helping students compete — or helping them grow?