Trophies are a big deal. They are a solid representation that a person completed this or excelled in that. For most people, the physical reminder is the key piece to the memory. People can't remember the event without reminiscing over the trophy. The trophy is a way to show off an accomplishment without looking like a person is over exaggerating the moment. So now the question becomes, should trophies be given out without necessarily winning, or earning them? This is a great debate among many scholars and parents across the globe. Every parent wants their child to receive an award, but some are against the idea of doing so if they haven't necessarily earned it. Giving children trophies for participation can be harmful to their work ethic, give
…show more content…
A person who feels gratification for their effort, are more likely to repeat it. This is why it is necessary to teach young children manners. Corey Turner argues that the participation trophies hold meaning to the recipient greater than most people realize. There is a large amount of research that insists participation trophies are good for children under the age of 7, for the motivation it can instill. "If I hadn't won my event, I don't think I would have quite the confidence [about doing science] that I do now." (Forrester) Students feel a heightened sense of self accomplishment and learn to strive to achieve the same feeling …show more content…
The main argument to this theory is that children should know that they can succeed but need to learn how to win as well. A proposed plan to this thinking is that children under the age of 6 are allowed to receive participation trophies. After that point, youth are slowly introduced to earning them opposed to receiving them. Children are taught that being the recipient of a trophy is a good thing through the praise of their parents, coaches, teachers or mentors. Just like drug addicts and alcohol abusers, they learn to crave that satisfaction. However, this sort of incentive is incredibly beneficial to them as a human being. Just like a treat is given to dogs who complete a trick or a command.
Overall, the concept is greatly debated, but through thorough research I can conclude that participation trophies are negative for the most part. Everyone should know they have the capability to succeed, and giving out participation trophies is a little taste of that. A trophy can be a great memoir of an event that took place but there should be a sense of pride that is instilled with the memory.
Forrester, Jennifer Harris, and M. Gail Jones. "The tears and trophies of science competitions: winning and losing." Science Scope, Apr.-May 2015, p. 6. Student Resources in
A person who feels gratification for their effort, are more likely to repeat it. This is why it is necessary to teach young children manners. Corey Turner argues that the participation trophies hold meaning to the recipient greater than most people realize. There is a large amount of research that insists participation trophies are good for children under the age of 7, for the motivation it can instill. "If I hadn't won my event, I don't think I would have quite the confidence [about doing science] that I do now." (Forrester) Students feel a heightened sense of self accomplishment and learn to strive to achieve the same feeling …show more content…
The main argument to this theory is that children should know that they can succeed but need to learn how to win as well. A proposed plan to this thinking is that children under the age of 6 are allowed to receive participation trophies. After that point, youth are slowly introduced to earning them opposed to receiving them. Children are taught that being the recipient of a trophy is a good thing through the praise of their parents, coaches, teachers or mentors. Just like drug addicts and alcohol abusers, they learn to crave that satisfaction. However, this sort of incentive is incredibly beneficial to them as a human being. Just like a treat is given to dogs who complete a trick or a command.
Overall, the concept is greatly debated, but through thorough research I can conclude that participation trophies are negative for the most part. Everyone should know they have the capability to succeed, and giving out participation trophies is a little taste of that. A trophy can be a great memoir of an event that took place but there should be a sense of pride that is instilled with the memory.
Forrester, Jennifer Harris, and M. Gail Jones. "The tears and trophies of science competitions: winning and losing." Science Scope, Apr.-May 2015, p. 6. Student Resources in