Will the subject 'Chess' be taught? Araik Harutyunyan is in favor

The Minister of Education and Science of Armenia, Araik Harutyunyan, held a consultation with a working group studying the effectiveness of introducing the subject 'Chess' at the Khachatur Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University.

According to the Public Relations and Information Department of the Ministry of Education and Science, the meeting was attended by the founder-director of the Armenian Chess Academy, Smbat Lputyan, representatives from the Ministry's General Education Department, and specialists from the pedagogical university. The meeting aimed to discuss the issues arising during the teaching of chess and to enhance the effectiveness of the subject.

Araik Harutyunyan mentioned that he supports the teaching of 'Chess,' but at the same time, several concerns raised by parents must be taken into account. Specifically, there are complaints about the assessment of the subject and the complexity of homework assignments.

At the meeting, research results conducted by the Chess Research Institute of the pedagogical university were presented. Specialists have started studying the effectiveness of introducing the subject since 2012, alongside its implementation. A comprehensive study has been conducted on how chess education affects children's thinking, behavior, and academic progress. According to specialists, chess helps develop students' thinking and also fosters independence.

The teaching of the subject positively impacts children's overall academic progress. Specifically, research has studied how students in grades 2-4 who learned chess performed compared to those who did not. The results confirmed that children who studied chess showed higher academic performance. Moreover, survey results conducted among students in grades 2-4 indicated that a significant majority listed 'Chess' among their favorite subjects. Experts conducting the research assessed that the primary issues related to the teaching of the subject stem from teacher-related factors.

Previously, there was no teaching experience for the subject 'Chess.' It was taught in group settings as an elective course. Previous group leaders, who later became teachers, lacked the pedagogical and methodological skills to teach the curriculum material.

The results of a sample survey conducted among 1,278 parents showed that 70 percent believe chess contributes to the development of logic; however, some expressed dissatisfaction with the subject due to the complexity of homework, making it difficult for them to assist their children. Another complaint is that students generally receive lower grades in chess compared to other subjects, adversely affecting their overall average grades.

Only 38 percent of children can solve the homework problems independently, while 62 percent seek help from their parents, and 29 percent of parents feel they struggle to assist their children. During the survey, parents made various suggestions, including starting the subject's instruction from the 3rd grade. Only four participants suggested removing chess from school entirely.

It was noted during the meeting that several other studies are currently underway. Additionally, the introduction of the 'Chess' subject into the state educational program has sparked interest within international professional and academic circles.

In summarizing the meeting, Smbat Lputyan, the founder-director of the Chess Academy, emphasized that the primary goal of introducing the subject was not to train chess players but to foster the development of logical thinking among learners.

The Minister proposed, considering the research results, to take steps towards reforming the subject curriculum.