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Chess in Primary Education
Subject Category: Adult Education – Training, Pedagogy

Start date: 20/01/2025

Program Information

PROGRAM CODE: 1707
REGISTRATION PERIOD: 31/12/1899 - 31/12/1899
COURSE PERIOD: 20/01/2025 - 08/06/2025
DURATION: 4 months and 20 days
TRAINING HOURS: 320.00
CREDITS ECTS: 12.80

Scientific Responsibility: FRANTZI AIKATERINI

Academic Responsibility: FRANTZI AIKATERINI

INITIAL COST: 550,00 € (Program Discounts)


DESCRIPTION
OUTLINE
CONTACT
DISCOUNTS - TERMS OF USE

Program Description

Subject & purpose of the training program:
The Chess in Primary Education Academic Training Course was launched in June 2024 in collaboration between the European Chess Union and The Centre of Training and Lifelong Learning (CTLL) of the University of the Aegean
The purpose of this Academic Training Course is to meet the growing demand for qualified educators in the field of Chess in Education. As chess is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in education there is a clear need for well-trained teachers and tutors, as they play a pivotal role in empowering children for the demands of the 21st century. Providing a specialised training course, we aim to equip educators to use chess as an educational tool for shaping the minds of future generations.
Since the European Parliament published a Declaration on 15 March 2012 to encourage the introduction of “Chess in School” in the educational systems of the European Union, the Education Commission of the European Chess Union (ECU) is on the mission to promote Chess in Education (CiE), empower chess educators and support a range of related projects and initiatives. Throughout the years the Commission and its members has devised and developed a range of training courses for educators, created different educational materials, conducted research and surveys, participated in numerous Erasmus+ Project, collaborated with various CiE conferences and extended its support worldwide.

Who is this course for?
The course is aimed at teachers in Primary Education as well as those attending Teacher Training institutions. It is also suitable for chess tutors and educators who are interested in how chess can be used in education to develop children’s social, emotional and intellectual skills.

Accreditation
The course provides a lifelong Academic Certificate from the University of The Aegean. It is a recognized academic qualification of 320 hours through distance learning, making it accessible to educators worldwide. It’s designed as a comprehensive program that aligns with Continuing Professional Development standards and is recognised through the European Credit Transfer System. The Academic content constitutes 12.8 ECTS academic points and enables participants to transfer their learning credits across various educational institutions.

Course Objective
The teaching objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of Chess in Education. We combine theory and practice to equip educators with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to deliver effective lessons using chess as an educational tool. The course is divided into 6 Units, each of them contributing towards a better understanding of the possibilities what chess can offer in the classroom.

Certification
Those who successfully graduate from the course will also receive the ECU101 School Chess Teacher Certificate from the European Chess Union and the Academic Course Certificate from the University of the Aegean.

Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, the trainee will be able to:
1. learn the rules and basics of chess and its associated minigames
2. understand how to structure a lesson to introduce chess to beginners
3. learn about the history of chess
4. use storytelling to develop student’s social, emotional and intellectual skills
5. learn different pedagogical techniques to teach chess for educational purposes
6.develop an effective Annual Teaching Plan to enhance children’s 21st-century skills
7. develop the skills to create effective strategies for the teaching practice
8. form a deeper understanding about the impact that chess can make and is making in different areas including, but not limited to education, therapeutics, social integration, special needs…
9. learn about a rigorous overview of the research evidence regarding the benefits of chess and the reliability of research findings
10. understand how chess can be implemented in various domains
11. develop a focus on a particular research topic
12. discover what works best for each individual’s teaching practice.
13. choose the right fit for the students and each individual’s preferences
14. develop specialized expertise to promote Chess in Education
15. create practical project papers designed to promote Chess in Education
16. apply resources and strategies that are reusable for different audiences and portable across various educational settings
Implementation Methology:
[Online Distance Learning]
The 20-week course is conducted in English, using the online Moodle platform. Students are expected to work independently, learn the course material at their own pace and time, and submit their assignments after each Unit. The content is delivered by interactive materials, course documents, research papers, live sessions, video instructions, external resources, refereOnnces, project works and assignments.
Course language: English
Evaluation Methology:
1. Multiple-choice questions
2. Essay questions
3. Assignments
Minimum requirements of the candidates:
Graduates of Secondary Education

Program Description

Subject & purpose of the training program:
The Chess in Primary Education Academic Training Course was launched in June 2024 in collaboration between the European Chess Union and The Centre of Training and Lifelong Learning (CTLL) of the University of the Aegean
The purpose of this Academic Training Course is to meet the growing demand for qualified educators in the field of Chess in Education. As chess is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in education there is a clear need for well-trained teachers and tutors, as they play a pivotal role in empowering children for the demands of the 21st century. Providing a specialised training course, we aim to equip educators to use chess as an educational tool for shaping the minds of future generations.
Since the European Parliament published a Declaration on 15 March 2012 to encourage the introduction of “Chess in School” in the educational systems of the European Union, the Education Commission of the European Chess Union (ECU) is on the mission to promote Chess in Education (CiE), empower chess educators and support a range of related projects and initiatives. Throughout the years the Commission and its members has devised and developed a range of training courses for educators, created different educational materials, conducted research and surveys, participated in numerous Erasmus+ Project, collaborated with various CiE conferences and extended its support worldwide.

Who is this course for?
The course is aimed at teachers in Primary Education as well as those attending Teacher Training institutions. It is also suitable for chess tutors and educators who are interested in how chess can be used in education to develop children’s social, emotional and intellectual skills.

Accreditation
The course provides a lifelong Academic Certificate from the University of The Aegean. It is a recognized academic qualification of 320 hours through distance learning, making it accessible to educators worldwide. It’s designed as a comprehensive program that aligns with Continuing Professional Development standards and is recognised through the European Credit Transfer System. The Academic content constitutes 12.8 ECTS academic points and enables participants to transfer their learning credits across various educational institutions.

Course Objective
The teaching objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of Chess in Education. We combine theory and practice to equip educators with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to deliver effective lessons using chess as an educational tool. The course is divided into 6 Units, each of them contributing towards a better understanding of the possibilities what chess can offer in the classroom.

Certification
Those who successfully graduate from the course will also receive the ECU101 School Chess Teacher Certificate from the European Chess Union and the Academic Course Certificate from the University of the Aegean.

Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, the trainee will be able to:
1. learn the rules and basics of chess and its associated minigames
2. understand how to structure a lesson to introduce chess to beginners
3. learn about the history of chess
4. use storytelling to develop student’s social, emotional and intellectual skills
5. learn different pedagogical techniques to teach chess for educational purposes
6.develop an effective Annual Teaching Plan to enhance children’s 21st-century skills
7. develop the skills to create effective strategies for the teaching practice
8. form a deeper understanding about the impact that chess can make and is making in different areas including, but not limited to education, therapeutics, social integration, special needs…
9. learn about a rigorous overview of the research evidence regarding the benefits of chess and the reliability of research findings
10. understand how chess can be implemented in various domains
11. develop a focus on a particular research topic
12. discover what works best for each individual’s teaching practice.
13. choose the right fit for the students and each individual’s preferences
14. develop specialized expertise to promote Chess in Education
15. create practical project papers designed to promote Chess in Education
16. apply resources and strategies that are reusable for different audiences and portable across various educational settings
[Online Distance Learning]
The 20-week course is conducted in English, using the online Moodle platform. Students are expected to work independently, learn the course material at their own pace and time, and submit their assignments after each Unit. The content is delivered by interactive materials, course documents, research papers, live sessions, video instructions, external resources, refereOnnces, project works and assignments. Course language: English
Evaluation Methology:
1. Multiple-choice questions
2. Essay questions
3. Assignments
Minimum requirements of the candidates:
Graduates of Secondary Education

Program outline

Teaching Unit 1: How to play chess: rules and basic concepts
DescriptionIn Unit 1 educators learn the rules and basics of chess through puzzles, quizzes and game-play. For those who already know how to play chess, the lessons were designed to give useful ideas to be used in the classroom. These lessons also offer a practical guideline with a clear structure to be used as lesson plans for a session that educators can modify (simplify, complicate and extend) considering the age, ability and attitude of the children you teach.
Learning Outcome
You will learn the rules and basics of chess and its associated minigames and will understand how to structure a lesson to introduce chess to beginners.
Start date20/01/2025
End date09/02/2025
Hours48.00
Academic ResponsibilityJESPER HALL
Sessions1 How to play chess: rules and basic concepts

Teaching Unit 2: Chess through history and culture
DescriptionIn Unit 2 educators learn about the rich history and culture of chess, and storytelling as a powerful teaching method to be used in the classroom. Stories bring chess to life. The history of chess provides countless stories and anecdotes that can be introduced in the classroom and help children to better engage, relate and remember the lesson.
Learning Outcome
You will learn about the history of chess and how to use storytelling to develop student’s social, emotional and intellectual skills.
Start date10/02/2025
End date02/03/2025
Hours48.00
Academic ResponsibilityPHILIPPE VUKOJEVIC
Sessions1 Chess through history and culture

Teaching Unit 3: The SMART Method to Teach Chess, Teaching techniques and strategies
DescriptionUnit 3 is The SMART Method to Teach Chess training course the Education Commission of ECU has been providing since 2017. Educators learn the basic didactics of how to deliver effective chess lessons for educational purposes and gain practical experience in applying the SMART framework in their teaching practice.
Learning Outcome
You will learn different pedagogical techniques to teach chess for educational purposes and will be able to develop an effective Annual Teaching Plan to enhance children’s 21st-century skills. By breaking down educational objectives into SMART goals you will develop the skills to create effective strategies for your teaching practice.
Start date03/03/2025
End date23/03/2025
Hours48.00
Academic ResponsibilityJOHN FOLEY
Sessions1 The SMART Method to Teach Chess, Teaching techniques and strategies

Teaching Unit 4: What does Research say about Chess in Education?
DescriptionUnit 4 offers a wide range of 50 selected studies to learn more about what Research says about Chess in Education. Is chess really an effective tool or is it just a Wishful Thinking? As one of the research paper’s title suggests, teacher training is the key. Educators will find a lot of valuable information in these articles, connected to Primary Education that offer practical application to their teaching.
Learning Outcome
Studying various research papers you will form a deeper understanding about the impact that chess can make and is making in different areas including, but not limited to education, therapeutics, social integration, special needs… You will learn about a rigorous overview of the research evidence regarding the benefits of chess and the reliability of research findings. You will understand how chess can be implemented in various domains and will develop a focus on a particular research topic.
Start date24/03/2025
End date20/04/2025
Hours64.00
Academic ResponsibilityJOHN FOLEY
Sessions1 What does Research say about Chess in Education?

Teaching Unit 5: Instructional Materials for the Classroom; Cross-Curricular Activities
DescriptionIn Unit 5 educators will be introduced to the CGS project with its different modules that provide instructional materials for the classroom for various ages that they can use in your teaching practice. Exploring different approaches will prepare educators to discover what works best for them and their students. The CGS project was founded by Erasmus+ where the European Chess Union was in partnership with organisations from Italy, Spain and Sweden.
Learning Outcome
Exploring different approaches to teaching chess will prepare you to discover what works best for your own teaching practice. Each method offers its strengths and by trying them out you'll be better equipped to choose the right fit for your students and your preferences. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what works well in one setting might not work in another, according to the school or group you are teaching. Keep experimenting, and you’ll find the approach that resonates most with you and your students.
Start date21/04/2025
End date11/05/2025
Hours48.00
Academic ResponsibilityJESPER HALL
Sessions1 Instructional Materials for the Classroom; Cross-Curricular Activities

Teaching Unit 6: Special Projects: Developing Chess in Education-focused projects
DescriptionIn Unit 6 the content is the accumulation of the content of the previous five units where educators will develop Chess in Education-focused projects. They create specialized resources and intellectual capital to be reused across diverse audiences and settings, ensuring practical application in promoting Chess in Education.
Learning Outcome
By the end of Unit 6, you will have developed specialized expertise and created practical project papers designed to promote Chess in Education. These takeaways and resources will provide practical strategies and are planned to be reusable for different audiences and portable across various educational settings.
Start date12/05/2025
End date08/06/2025
Hours64.00
Academic ResponsibilityJESPER HALL
Sessions1 Special Projects: Developing Chess in Education-focused projects

Contact:

Contact Details: AIKATERINI FRANTZI [frantzi(at)aegean.gr - Phone 6936888775]

WEBSITE: https://www.europechess.org/european-chess-union-and-aegean-university-sign-the-agreement-of-co-operation/

PARTNERS

 EUROPEAN CHESS UNION
  Contact Person: Theodoros TSORBATZOGLOU
  Email: ecu.secretary.general(at)gmail.com
  Website: https://www.europechess.org
  Phone: (30) 693 2 215971
  Address: Rainweidstrasse 2, CH-6333 Hunenberg See, Switzerland


Discounts - Terms of use:

Discount Policy
Το Κ.Ε.ΔΙ.ΒΙ.Μ. διατηρεί το δικαίωμα να μεταβάλλει τα ποσοστά και τις κατηγορίες των εκπτώσεων και λοιπών προσφορών επί των αρχικών τιμών των διδάκτρων, καθόλη τη διάρκεια του τρέχοντος Κύκλου Σπουδών χωρίς προηγούμενη ειδοποίηση. Οι όποιες αλλαγές δεν αφορούν τους/τις ήδη εγγεγραμμένους/νες.
Κείμενο εκπτώσεων από τον ΕΥ
Discount 1 (Early bird Payment until 05 January 2025): 10 %
Discount 2 (Groups of 5 trainees or more, same school, same club): 10 %

Registration
The application for registration is a Responsible Declaration and therefore the completed data must be true and accurate so that the issued Training Certificates, Certificates and other documents are valid. For any discrepancy that arises, CE-LLC is not obliged to reissue the above documents while it reserves the right to recall it.

Validity of submitted supporting documents
In order to document the validity of the discounts selected in the registration form, the trainee must send the relevant documents to the secretariat of the respective training program before the start of the selected program. According to article 28 of Law 4305/2014, the CE-LLC may carry out an ex officio check of the authenticity of the documents submitted by the trainee. In case of non-timely dispatch or non-confirmation of the validity of the submitted documents, the CE-LLC reserves the right to revoke the granted discount and to claim any resulting financial difference as well as to cancel any issue of any Certificate and/or Certificate of Training.

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Any damage caused to the website or/and the platforms of modern/ asynchronous education or the Network in general resulting from the misuse or improper use of the relevant services by the user/visitor is solely his/her own responsibility, and the University of the Aegean may delete him/her from its educational community without any financial compensation and reimbursement of tuition fees. In addition, any moral or reputational damage caused by the user's failure to use proper and discrete behavior in his/her communication with the individual teaching, technical and administrative support teams is the sole responsibility of the user, and the University of Aegean may remove him/her from the educational community without any financial compensation and refund of fees. For any comments, remarks or/and suggestions, the trainees should be addressed exclusively to the secretariats of the individual training programs or to the secretariat of CE-LLC.

Participation in courses and Issuance of Certificate
- There is no restriction of gender, race, nationality, religion or other discrimination in participation in the training programs of CE-LLC.
- The acceptance and participation of the trainees re-adjust their full understanding of the program and the respective Program Guide
- The CE-LLC, reserves the right to adjust the schedule of the courses, the instructors as well as to postpone or cancel the availability of the Programs by informing the registered participants.
- In order to serve them better, the trainees should mention while contacting with the CE-LLC, their full name, the exact title of the program they are participating in, the Academic Coordinator and the start date of the program.
- If there are outstanding financial issues, the CE-LLC reserves the right to temporarily suspend or/and deactivate the access of the trainees to the e-learning platforms of modern and asynchronous learning.
- The award of the Certificate of Training requires the participation of the trainees in the assigned evaluation activities and on the basis of the evaluation criteria set by the respective training program.
- If there are outstanding financial issues, no Training Certificate will be awarded for any of the individual teaching modules of a Program, nor for the whole Program.

- A prerequisite for the granting of certificates before the completion of a training program is the payment of at least part of the tuition corresponding to the Educational Modules that it is confirmed that the trainee attended.

Technical Conditions
To participate in the online training, a modern computer and internet access are required at least.
Specifically, for optimal and uninterrupted access and work in the Asynchronous and especially the Modern e-learning System, it is recommended that the interested parties have the following:
1. Modern computer with multimedia capabilities (microphone, speakers or headphones, camera).
2. ADSL connection for Internet access, with a minimum required Internet connection speed of 4 Mbps.
However, additional technical requirements may be required by the individual training programs, if deemed appropriate for their smooth running.

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Prioritisation of Programs
In the context of promoting a program, the CE-LLC may inform -only in an advisory capacity- the interested public about the possibility of using a training certificate in terms of its possible awarding, based on the institutional framework in force at the time of the program's launch. However, the classification of training as a qualification depends on the criteria of the calls for proposals as defined by the bodies issuing them at the time of their issue, and the interested parties should contact these bodies for clarification and are solely responsible for investigating classification issues.

Cancellation of Programs - Tuition Refunds
The training programs will only be implemented if the required number of trainees has been secured.
A refund of tuition fees is possible only in exceptional cases and only if the applicant informs the secretariat in writing before the start of the program that he/she does not wish to attend, stating in detail the reasons for discontinuing the training. The written request is examined by the Scientific Coordinator of each training program and he/she decides on it. In such cases and in order not to be burdened with possible bank charges or administration costs of the Special Account for Research Funding, the student may apply for a credit of his/her tuition fees for attending another Program of the same training action, i.e. a Program with the same Scientific Coordinator. The amount credited, if not used up, is not refundable, but remains at the participant's disposal for future use.
In cases of tuition refund decisions, if the CE-LLC is responsible for the refund, the financial difference due is refunded without any additional charge.
In cases of non-culpability of the University of the Aegean, the applicant is responsible for any financial difference due, bearing any bank charges and an additional 10% of the administration costs of the Special Account for Research Funds.

Program evaluation
Participation in the Program Evaluation: The completion of the anonymous Training Program Evaluation Questionnaire by the trainees aims to ensure the quality of the educational services provided, in accordance with the provisions of Article 115 of Law No. 4957/2022 and the Regulation of the CE-LLC of the University of the Aegean. The questionnaire is posted on the asynchronous tele-education platform during the last month of the program implementation, with the activation of the last evaluation activity of the program together. The completion of the questionnaire is optional and is part of the academic activities of the trainees.

Extension of academic obligations
Any extension in the academic obligations of the trainees as well as the procedure for issuing the training certificates for the trainee(s) who have successfully completed the program may not exceed six (6) months from the date of completion of the program, based on the approval decision. In exceptional cases, following a well-founded request by a trainee and a reasoned decision by the Council of the CE-LLC, the extension provided for in the previous subparagraph may be granted for a period of up to one (1) year from the date of completion of the program, based on the approval decision.