Factors that influence Australian Schools to Value or Otherwise the Teaching of Chess to Children
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/933TSGN
Chess has a long history of being associated with children’s education. In many cases learning to play chess has been suggested to have significant advantages in the mental development and recreation of children.
In education, principals, parents and educators all acknowledge that independent thinking and creativity are critical capabilities that all children should be equipped with in order to function in the workforce of the future. These are also characteristics that have been associated with learning to play chess, yet little remains known about the direct benefits chess has on these important dimensions of children’s development.
This survey is part of the first phase of a research study endorsed by the University of Southern Queensland and supported by Gardiner Chess. The study seeks to identify the benefits and challenges of learning to play chess in schools. These include cognitive, social and educational benefits while also considering any negative outcomes, including possible stigmas, associated with those playing chess.
The study’s point of departure is to assess how stakeholders feel about a range of issues relating to the provision of chess lessons in schools. The study also seeks to establish foundational insights for a broader study related to the benefits of chess and how this relates to building capacity to be innovative.
Note specifically for Principals of schools where there is currently no regular group chess coaching service: The study most importantly seeks to understand why schools may not have a regular chess coaching programme as part of their educational offerings. It would be most helpful if you could indicate in the ‘comments’ section of the survey, any additional information that may inform the research.
Participation in the survey is anonymous and voluntary.
The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you wish to add further comments related to each question, please complete the comments section after each question where relevant.
At the end of the survey you may wish to provide your name and email address to receive the summary of findings, and go into a random draw to win a beautiful Staunton style wooden chess set. Your participation in this important research is valuable and highly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact the researcher or USQ research supervisor should you have any queries or concerns.
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/933TSGN
Researcher: Graeme Gardiner [email protected]
USQ Supervisor: [email protected]
