LIFE LESSONS FROM TEACHING CHESS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24234/miopap.v11i2.34

Keywords:

competency-based education, chess education, key competencies, language literacy, cognitive development, digital literacy, democratic values, economic reasoning, cultural appreciation, mathematical problem-solving

Abstract

This article examines how chess education is integrated with Armenia’s competency-based State Standard of General Education, adopted in 2021. The standard prioritizes eight core competencies: language literacy, self-awareness and social skills, learning to learn, economic literacy, cultural understanding, digital and media skills, democratic and civic values, and math and science proficiency. The authors explore how chess education fosters these competencies, highlighting its relevance to real-world applications. For example, chess enhances language proficiency through vocabulary building and analytical discussions, promotes self-awareness and teamwork through strategic planning, and cultivates economic understanding by introducing risk management and investment concepts. It also deepens cultural appreciation by linking students to chess’s historical and artistic significance, boosts digital literacy through online tools and algorithmic thinking, and reinforces democratic principles by teaching rule adherence and respect for all chess pieces. Moreover, chess strengthens math and science skills through geometric reasoning and problem-solving. This innovative study connects chess education with competency development, showcasing its potential to transform public education. By aligning chess teaching with competency-based learning, the authors propose a fresh approach to developing critical skills needed for 21st-century learners.

References

Ashley, M. (n.d.). Move by move: Life lessons on and off the chessboard (p. 65). Chronicle Books LLC. Kindle Edition.

Bilalić, M., McLeod, P., & Gobet, F. (2007). Does chess need intelligence? A study with young chess players. Intelligence, 35(5), 457–470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2006.09.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2006.09.005

Chase, W. G., & Simon, H. A. (1973). The mind's eye in chess. In W. G. Chase (Ed.), Visual information processing (pp. 215–281). Academic Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-170150-5.50011-1

Delors, J., et al. (1996). Learning: The treasure within. UNESCO. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/rethinking-education/resources/

Gigerenzer, G. (n.d.). Risk savvy: How to make good decisions (p. 2). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

Levitt, S. D., List, J. A., & Sadoff, S. E. (2011). Checkmate: Exploring backward induction among chess players. American Economic Review, 101(2), 975–990. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.101.2.975 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.101.2.975

McClelland, D. C. (1973). Testing for competence rather than for "intelligence." American Psychologist, 28(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0034092 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/h0034092

Mulder, M. (2011). The concept of competence: Blessing or curse? In I. Torniainen, S. Mahlamäku-Kultanen, P. Nokelainen, & P. Ilsley (Eds.), Innovations for competence management (pp. 11–24). Lahti: Lahti University of Applied Sciences.

Sala, G., & Gobet, F. (2017). Do the benefits of chess instruction transfer to academic and cognitive skills? A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 18, 46–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2016.02.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2016.02.002

Simon, H. A. (1971). Designing organizations for an information-rich world. In M. Greenberger (Ed.), Computers, communication, and the public interest (pp. 37–52). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.

State Public Education Standard. (2021). [In Armenian]. https://www.arlis.am/DocumentView.aspx?docid=149788

Tanajyan, K., Melkonyan, N., & Movsisyan, S. (2021). Chess as a social value. Main Issues of Pedagogy and Psychology, 19(1), 32–37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24234/miopap.v19i1.390

Vander Els, J., & Stack, B. (2022). Unpacking the competency-based classroom. Solution Tree.

Zahidi, S., Ratcheva, V., Hingel, G., & Brown, S. (2020). The future of jobs report. World Economic Forum. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2020.pdf

Downloads

Published

26-11-2024

How to Cite

Khachatryan, S., Martirosyan, L., & Misakyan, S. (2024). LIFE LESSONS FROM TEACHING CHESS. Main Issues Of Pedagogy And Psychology, 11(2), 198–207. https://doi.org/10.24234/miopap.v11i2.34