Benefits of Attending Math Competition

• Cultivate good learning habits
• Enhance logical and mathematical thinking capability
• Broadening participant's knowledge base and expanding participant's perspective
• Friendship
• Helpful for children's education advancement

Pro: Cultivate Good Learning Habits

Children who have received training in math competitions exhibit superior math learning habits compared to those who have not. They demonstrate a remarkable ability to concentrate and remain undisturbed by external factors while studying.

Furthermore, these children possess the essential qualities of patience and perseverance, which are vital for independent thinking and problem-solving. The process of solving complex math problems in competitions requires considerable time and effort, and this experience helps children develop a meticulous mentality and a serious attitude towards learning.

Additionally, math competitions provide an opportunity for children to cultivate a sense of courage and resilience when facing challenges. The challenging and comprehensive nature of math competition problems allows participants to enhance their confidence and develop a positive outlook on life.

It is important to note that good learning habits are not only beneficial for future academic and professional pursuits but also have a profound impact on a child's worldview, values, and overall outlook on life.

Pro: Enhance Logical and Mathematical Thinking Capabilities

Mathematics competitions provide a platform for participants to tackle intricate problems, thereby enhancing and cultivating their logical and mathematical thinking capabilities.

Logical thinking ability encompasses the capacity to reason accurately and rationally across various subjects, involving the skills of observation, comparison, analysis, synthesis, abstraction, summarization, judgment, and reasoning, all of which are articulated using scientific logical methods. The centrality of logical thinking to intelligence and its role as a primary indicator of an individual's intellectual capacity underscores its significance.

Moreover, logical thinking serves as a wellspring of creativity, enabling individuals to collect, store, exchange, and process information more extensively and richly, ultimately enhancing their survival and work abilities. These abilities are crucial and beneficial in daily learning and work.

Pro: Broadening Participant's Knowledge Base and Expanding Participant's Perspective

The international mathematical competition is a globally recognized competition that attracts participants from diverse countries and regions. It provides a platform for students to engage with the latest advancements in mathematics and technology, gain insights into the varying levels of mathematics education and research across different nations, and expand their knowledge base.

Mathematical competitions often involve complex mathematical concepts and techniques that may not be covered in textbooks. Therefore, participating in such competitions can expose students to new and emerging areas of mathematics, thereby enhancing their knowledge and broadening their perspectives.

In summary, mathematical competition offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the frontiers of mathematics, develop their problem-solving skills, and expand their intellectual horizons beyond the confines of traditional classroom learning.

Pro: Friendship

Apart from the aforementioned values, math contests offer a significant advantage in terms of promoting collaboration among students. These contests provide a platform for like-minded individuals with similar interests and abilities to come together and foster a sense of community, which is often lacking in conventional classroom settings. Through participation in math contests, students can establish meaningful friendships, gain inspiration, and receive encouragement from their peers to a greater extent than what is typically observed in their regular academic environment. For instance, a student who may be one of the few his/her school who is passionate about math can find a sense of belonging at a math contest, where she can connect with numerous others who share his/her interests.

Pro: Helpful for Children's Education Advancement

Competition scores or awards hold significant value in the context of college applications and resumes. They are often regarded as advantageous for applicants to top engineering and science schools. This is because these schools typically prioritize students' academic abilities and interests, and math competition scores and awards can attest to an applicant's talent and passion in mathematics. Additionally, math competitions can help applicants cultivate problem-solving skills and innovative thinking, which are highly valued in engineering and science disciplines.

Cons of Attending

Math Composition

• Some math contests are not well-organized
• Overload
• Discourage

Con: Some Math Contests are Not Well-Organized

Despite the advantages of math contests, it is important to acknowledge their limitations. Firstly, the quality of contests can vary greatly, and students should exercise caution when participating in math competitions that place excessive emphasis on speed or rote memorization. Furthermore, curricular math competition, such as calculus competitions for high school students, may perpetuate the misconception that mathematics is confined to the classroom. Such math competitions may inadvertently encourage students to prioritize skills that are less valuable than the ability to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, which should be the primary objectives of any math competition.

Con: Overload

Participating in math competitions may pose a potential disadvantage as parents may tend to overburden their children with multiple activities, leading to an overload of responsibility. While such competition can provide significant benefits to children, it is imperative that parents seek for their child's consent before enrolling them in such events. Parents should inform their children about the nature of the competition and cultivate their interest in participating. It is crucial to avoid pressuring children into engaging in activities that do not align with their interests. In the event that a child feels overwhelmed, parents should refrain from forcing them to continue with the competition.

Con: Discourage

In order to participate in math competitions, children must possess a requisite level of mathematical understanding. For those who lack a strong foundation, direct participation in such competition may not be the most judicious choice. The competition may trigger feelings of discouragement if the child is unable to solve the problems, which can have a negative effect on their motivation to learn and exert a significant impact on their future academic pursuits. Parents often possess an inaccurate assessment of their child's mathematical ability, so they may register them for competitions that are not match with their level of proficiency. It is imperative to avoid such situation by seeking guidance from a teacher or conducting a mock exam to check for child's level before registering for the competition.