The effectiveness of playing chess on reducing the problems of social cognition and math of students with learning disabilities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chess game in reducing social and mathematical cognition problems of students with learning disabilities. The quasi-experimental research method was pretest-posttest with a control group. The statistical population included all fourth grade elementary male students diagnosed with learning disabilities referred to Shiraz Education Counseling Center in the academic year of 1998-99. Colorado learning (parent form) and unfamiliarity with playing chess were selected as a sample by available sampling method and were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The experimental group played chess for two sessions per week for 45 days and the control group did not receive any intervention. Pre-test and post-test were performed for both groups and the data obtained from the study were analyzed using single analysis of covariance. The variable was statistically analyzed by pre-test control using SPSS software version 19. The findings showed that the effectiveness of chess playing on reducing social cognition and math problems of students with learning disabilities is significant. Playing chess can be effective in preventing and improving students \'disabilities in students\' social and mathematical cognition problems with learning disabilities.