Chess: A Path to Critical Thinking
Oct 09, 2021
John Connors
Chess: A Path to Critical Thinking
Throughout the world, young people are learning chess to discover new ways of thinking.
Studies show a direct correlation between chess and development of cognitive abilities, including problem solving and social skills, enhanced critical thinking abilities and specific outcomes such as increased levels of math performance. Looking across the spectrum, playing chess has been found to protect older adults from dementia and minimize the symptoms of ADHD, and is also used as a tool to increase effectiveness of therapy, among many other beneficial outcomes. Many communities have chess clubs that introduce children to the game at an early age. As this primarily occurs in urban settings, children in rural areas often lack this development pathway.
In this presentation, Rotarian John Connors, M. Ed. and avid chess player, will discuss the many benefits of chess to people of all ages and opportunities to expand chess programs for children living in any area of the world to develop skills that bring life-long benefits.