A new learning paradigm: competition supported by technology

CREATED: 201004211621

Pros of competitive learning

• contest can be enjoyable and increase motivation in the learning activity
• copied assignments are reduces as students avoid sharing solved assignments
• better performance
• winning increases motivation by enhancing perceived competence
• competing in teams, increases team spirit

Cons

• students can become highly anxious and stresses
• pressure decreasses intrinsic motivation
• too much focus on extrinsic rewards instead of learning
• difference in feelings between winners and losers
• negative relationships among classmats and teachers

Use of categories/tags may provide unwanted hints to solver.

Difficulty level difficult to assess, suggest use of popularity and success rate instead.

Students are asked to write a description of their algorithm and this is evaluated.

Programming style is evaluated if the program scored at least 50%

Training camp (11 days, 9 days of contests, 2 rest/excursion)

• breakfast
• contest
• announcement of results
• lunch
• discussion of problems and solutions
• dinner
• sports
• training session focused on solving unsolved problems during previous days