The activity:
Chess was an educational and interesting element of our Erasmus project. We used chess to make learning more fun and educational. It strengthened social bonds between participants and enriched the learning experience. It taught us about winning and losing. Chess helped the young people to recognize the consequences of their actions, because thinking through their steps and making the best move was rewarding, while hasty decisions had usually negative consequences. This is similar to the challenges we face in everyday life, where we also try to make the best decisions to achieve positive outcomes in our lives. The mathematical modeling used during the chess game developed the ability to structure, analytical thinking, interpretation, problem solving, evaluation and critical analysis of results. By involving disadvantaged students, the young people could easily socialize in gifted learning.
Each partner institution organized a chess tournament with its own students.
Results:
CONCRETE RESULTS: The winners of the chess competition received a certificate, and the absolute winner received a chess set as a prize.
INTANGIBLE RESULTS: Students communicated and interacted during the event. During the events, teachers and students increased the multiplier effect by sharing their experiences with students and teachers in their own schools. Students learned to think first and then act. Identifying alternatives and weighing the pros and cons of options is the same in life. Chess required the following skills: analysis, abstract thinking, visualization, forward thinking, reasoning. None of these skills are unique to chess, but are needed in many life situations. The beauty of chess is that it stimulates children’s minds and helps them develop these life skills while having fun. With our activity, we created a student-centered classroom environment, made learning fun and interactive, and thus students developed a positive attitude towards learning.
