THE ROLE OF CHESS IN DEVELOPING LOGICAL THINKING ABILITY IN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Abstract

This thesis explores the pedagogical potential of developing logical, analytical, and critical thinking skills in primary school students through the sport of chess. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the effectiveness of activating cognitive processes in primary school-aged children through the intellectual mechanisms of the chess game (position evaluation, comparison of alternatives, and optimal decision-making). The research analyzes the positive impact of integrating chess elements into primary school pedagogy on students' performance in mathematics and other exact sciences. The findings indicate that systematic chess training develops logical thinking operations (analysis, synthesis, generalization) in students with significantly higher dynamics compared to those continuing with traditional education methods.