Monthly Memory Tests

All Things Chess
1

There is a local chess teacher that apparently has a monthly memory test for his students. Each month
he assigns them different “memory” exercises. At the end of the month, he shows them cue cards
with various numbers on them, and sees how many the students can memorize in order. He regards
this is essential to learning chess.

I mention this, because quite frankly, a the parents of a prospective student asked me if I offered such
tests. No, I told them-for while I have of course heard of memory testing, I have not heard of it as
part of chess teaching. So, I am curious–how many of you who do at least some chess tutoring,
use memory exercises??

I told them that my initial thought is that there are a great many more productive lines to consider,
and explore.

Thoughts, please??

Rob Jones

2

I can’t seem to remember why this test is important!? :laughing: :laughing:

3

The better answer :smiley: :smiley:

Rob Jones

4

This memory training might exist to satisfy some school requirement if the teacher is in a school system. I suggest simply reading a book for fun these days. Reading a book will also build up the “attention span muscles.” This exercise will also make it possible to unearth rich gems slowly from a chess library. With the advent of the computer, chess books are becoming more affordable by the day.

5

Just remembering what I had for dinner yesterday is hard enough these days. :slight_smile:

My suspicion is that this memory testing, unless it is done under rigorous testing conditions, including informed consent, would not produce data that could be used in a refereed journal article.