ERIC_NO:
ED307202
TITLE:
Competition Experiment with World Cultures Class.
AUTHOR:
Lilien, Elliot
PUBLICATION_DATE:
1988
ABSTRACT:
This paper reports on a research study which attempted to determine whether competition could generate the same enthusiasm in the classroom
(for learning) as it does on the playing field (in sports). Ninth grade
world cultures students at Concord-Carlisle High School, Concord,
Massachusetts were led to believe that they were competing in an All-East
Coast Academic Tournament composed of classes comparable to their own.
"Official" tournament charts and outside "proctors" gave the situation
legitimacy. Along with the interschool competition, students in the class
had an intraclass competition among themselves. The tournament process
is discussed, as is the composition of the class involved in the study.
As a result of the experiment, attendance increased significantly and
student grades improved. The difference in performance between boys and
girls was examined. Lilien concludes that this type of activity should
not be used because: (1) the increased pressure turns some students off
and they do not function as well when pressure is present; (2) the level
of historical learning is not very high; and (3) some people argue that
"learning ought to be cooperative and not competitive." A chart is provided
that details individual student's grades before the tournament, their
grades on the final examination, and the number of correct questions answered
during the "competition." (GEA)
MAJOR_DESCRIPTORS:
Competition; History Instruction; Instructional Innovation; Student Motivation; World History;
MINOR DESCRIPTORS:
Attendance; Class Activities; Cooperation; Educational Research; Grade 9; High Schools; Social Studies;
IDENTIFIERS:
*Academic Competitions
PUBLICATION_TYPE:
141