IMPACT OF CHESS TRAINING ON PRISON INMATES: PILOTING EXPERIENCE IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Authors

  • Andreas Ahrens Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences Technology Business and Design, Germany
  • Juan Antonio Montero Club Magic Extremadura, Spain
  • Rodrigo Barbeito Club Magic Extremadura, Spain
  • Mirko Trasciatti UniChess s.s.d.r.l., Italy
  • Daiga Falkane Latvian Chess Federation, Latvia
  • Jelena Zascerinska Centre for Education and Innovation Research, Latvia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4664-8593
  • Mihails Zascerinskis Centre for Education and Innovation Research, Latvia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17770/eid2025.1.8380

Keywords:

associative thinking of chess pieces, chess game, cognitive training methods, impact classification, inclusion, prison inmates, training

Abstract

The role of chess as an educational and rehabilitative tool has gained traction in recent years, particularly in correctional facilities and therapeutic communities. The aim of this research is to analyse the impact of chess training on prison inmates in selected European countries. The methodology integrates document analysis, participant observation from facilitators and programme evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of chess on rehabilitation efforts. The method of data analysis is content analysis, also known as the interpretation method. Interpretation techniques imply structuring and summarising, comparison and synthesis. The theoretical analysis allows determining a classification of impact’s areas. This theoretical finding can help other researchers understand the significance of their scientific or research contribution. Our analysis of piloting experience of chess play in prisons in the selected European countries allows concluding that the chess training was effective. In general, each individual’s life is important for society. It is particularly beneficial, if a prison inmate is socially included in the society. Our empirical study is limited by the participation of only three European countries in the chess training for prison inmates. If more countries take part in the study, the other results could be attained.

Supporting Agencies
The presented work has been carried out within the Project "Including Chess as a Re-education Up-Skilling Tool" (ICARUS), KA220-ADU - Cooperation partnerships in adult education, Project Number 2023-1-IT02-KA220-ADU-000152409.

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Published

08.07.2025

How to Cite

Ahrens, A., Montero, J. A., Barbeito, R., Trasciatti, M., Falkane, D., Zascerinska, J., & Zascerinskis, M. (2025). IMPACT OF CHESS TRAINING ON PRISON INMATES: PILOTING EXPERIENCE IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. Education. Innovation. Diversity, 1(10), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.17770/eid2025.1.8380