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Study: School Competitions May Hurt Trust, NRW Education Spending Lags

Competition may be harming student relationships. Despite rising needs, NRW's education spending is lagging behind.

On the left side there is a chimpanzee. In the background it is blurred.
On the left side there is a chimpanzee. In the background it is blurred.

Study: School Competitions May Hurt Trust, NRW Education Spending Lags

A recent study reveals that school competitions may inadvertently decrease helpfulness and trust among students. Meanwhile, education spending in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is rising at a slower pace than the overall budget, despite urgent catch-up needs. Additionally, a backlog of repairs in schools persists due to municipalities' financial constraints.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cologne, suggests that competitive environments in schools may foster an atmosphere of rivalry rather than cooperation, leading to reduced helpfulness and trust among students.

In NRW, education spending is increasing, but at a slower rate than the overall budget. This is concerning, as schools face significant catch-up needs following the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights that certain educational measures, such as strict homework evaluation, have negatively impacted children, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, during challenging times.

Moreover, a persistent issue in NRW is the backlog of repairs in schools. Many municipalities struggle to cover investment needs in school construction, leading to deferred maintenance and suboptimal learning environments.

The findings of the study and the state of education spending in NRW underscore the need for a balanced approach to school culture and adequate investment in education infrastructure. Addressing these issues will be crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment and ensuring that all students can thrive.

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