ECU101 - The SMART Method to Teach Chess

ECU School Chess Teacher Qualification

The ECU School Chess Teacher Title is available to those who complete the ECU101 - The SMART Method to Teach Chess training course and pass an online test taken at the end of the course. The course qualifies for Continuing Professional Development and its Certificate is recognised across Europe by virtue of being accredited by the European Chess Union. The Certificate ensures that the Title holder has the adequate knowledge and skills needed to teach chess for educational purposes in the classroom.

Course Objectives:

The objective of the course is to introduce chess teachers and tutors to how to teach chess as an educational tool to develop children's social, emotional and cognitive skills. It aims to improve their teaching and classroom management skills by introducing various teaching techniques and strategies to be used in the classroom.  The training course supports educators in enhancing their instructional skills, including how to structure lessons, provide feedback, and create a supportive learning environment to maintain children’s motivation and achieve better learning outcomes for students.

Unit Content:

1. Education Context: The benefits of chess
2. Starting Chess in School: Increase engagement and motivation
3. The Playing Method: Learning through mini-games
4. Structured Thinking: Understanding Chess Thinking
5. The SMART Method: Design your lessons with the SMART pedagogical approach
6. Teaching Checkmate: Concept in practice
7. Classroom Management: Creating a supporting teaching and learning environment
8. Differentiation: Meet the needs
9. Planning: Breaking down educational objectives into SMART goals

Method of Learning
Educators will engage with the SMART Method approach through interactive presentations, group discussions and practical exercises that provide questions to reinforce key concepts and offer immediate feedback.

Learning Outcome
Educators will understand and be aware of various pedagogical techniques to teach chess for educational purposes. They will be able to apply the knowledge gained from the training course to create and deliver effective strategies for their teaching practice to enhance children’s 21st-century skills. 

Course information:

• Course ID: ECU101
• Duration: 2 days
• Dates: 09-10 November 2024
• Time: CET Please note, all times are in Central European Time
  
  • Day1
  • 10:00 - 17:00 
  • Day2
  • 10:00 - 17:00
• Language: English
• Fee: €100 + €50 for the Certificate 
• Venue: ZOOM 
• Course Instructor:  Jesper Hall, Chairman of the European Chess Union Education Commission / John Foley, Director of ChessPlus
• Contact: info.edu@europechess.org 

All registrants must be over 18 years old.

The course is delivered by ChessPlus, a contracted partner to ECU;