The effectiveness of an educational program based on the Twenty Thinking Keys in developing strategic and mental performance among chess players from the University of Babylon

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a training program based on the twenty thinking keys on enhancing the strategic and cognitive performance of chess players at the University of Babylon. The program consisted of ten sessions over six weeks, each focusing on a specific thinking key and linking theoretical concepts with practical chess situations. An experimental design with two groups (experimental and control) was employed, including pre- and post-tests. The main sample comprised 44 participants equally divided between the two groups, in addition to a pilot sample to validate the instruments. Findings revealed statistically significant improvements in favour of the experimental group in both strategic and cognitive performance, while no gender differences were observed. These results highlight the effectiveness of the program in fostering advanced strategic and cognitive skills among university chess players.