Exams, tests, homework: Individual vs. Teamwork?

Question

How come school, generally speaking, places emphasis on individual achievement more than teamwork?

It doesn't really bother me. It's just that I noticed how at work, there's an emphasis on teamwork -- you need to communicate effectively with both your superiors and subordinates. Meanwhile, at school, teamwork on quizzes, exams and essays are greatly discouraged. Why is there a difference in emphasis?

Answer 1

That actually depends on culture. Some countries, like Thailand or Phillipines, place emphasis more on teamwork. That is, children strive to achieve to create a better place for their country, not just for themselves. In America, the focus is more on individualism and children do not care so much in improving their country/government.

Answer 2

I dont know, how do you feel about it? Does it bother you? Hmm, well the school system really doesn't know what kind of job you are going to have in the future, as in a team based or individual based career. But maybe it should be a little more team oriented, so kids can have that experience. I never really thought about it. Also another benefit might be is maybe people would be more friendly towards each other in thier interpersonal lives once they are out of school if they had more team experience during school.

Answer 3

Individual work is MUCH BETTER! Mostly because teacher probably can see how specific students are excelling if they are workin separately.. When students work together usually one or two pull the weight of the entire group! .. Idk what school level youre talkin of though, in college i think we do a good amount of group. and i HATE IT!
I once had to do a group project.. Everyone did separate parts that were passed into me, to be put together and ready to be presented... Lil did i know id have to write the entire thing over! One person in my group gave me typed up final copy with words like "re-enter duce" Yeah that was his word he made up.. and by that he meant "re-introduce"! there were many more disasters like that.. Lets just say i stayed up all night re writing the entire friggin thing.. Never been more pissed in my life..

Group work is stupid bbecause somenes always gettin screwed.

Answer 4

At school level, a students IQ is being tested.
How much he can do on his own self , without any help from fellow studnets, since he has to appear in the test him self and not is a group.

Also, school children, when they usually sit for studies in group, the focus is diverted to other stuffs like daily life, girls, mobiles etc, rather than studies.

A student is at his best when he is studying on his own. He can then get to learn things on his own self.

when in group and on thier own, the foucs is highly diverted from studies to other stuff.

Answer 5

because in a team obviously someone works better and harder than the other and may be the lethargic ones also get the credit, so individual is given more imp.

Answer 6

Because when your team fails, you've always gotta know how to rely on yourself. I guess it's just preparing students to be independent in the future.

Answer 7

I'm guessing because you earn your grades individually and not as part of a team.

Answer 8

hey, exams can't be taken as TEAM...

k, by speaking: teamwork never fails.... It's better.

Answer 9

Teamwork, DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

why not?