16-04-2014, 11:28 PM
Jacqui Thomas Wrote:Robin, I appreciate that this looks good on the surface but without sounding too negative do we know how many have given up chess because the additional coaching all be it online or not (a) took the fun out of it (b) put too much pressure on them or how many have not improved since having online coaching. The latter is not necessarily any reflection on the coaches but perhaps more to do with adapting play between screen & over the board.
If (emphasis on the IF) the resources are there maybe the old system of a Junior Squad training day could be set up. This would be most valuable in the lead up to the Glorney festival. To be honest would be much more beneficial than having coaches at the event imo.
I want to answer these on a personal level. I have coached a total of 7 children since becoming an online coach over two years ago. Only one of this 7 is currently not actively playing, which I would say is an encouraging rate. If done correctly, there should be no pressure put on the child, but instead encouragement and help to improve. As for are the children improving, it is a definite yes. Last year, all of my students hit the 200up (something I was very proud of), and looking around the coaches, the results are similar, in that our students are improving ahead of the average rate you would expect. The ability to provide children all across Scotland with a strong chess coach for a very modest fee, is very much going in the correct direction, and I know ~8y ago, I myself would have been delighted had this existed. There are also some advantages in online coaching over face to face. For example I can pull up resources, and check through ideas much faster online. Of course it is not for everyone, but in general, if the child is interested enough to want lessons, and the coach is able to interact with the student well, there should be no negative effects.
As for the training days, they definitely do have a purpose and are good, however I do agree with Calum that they are no substitute for regular coaching. I organised one in Aberdeen last August, and had 30 children attend, varying from 200 to 1800, so I don't agree that "the 'talented' players dont seem to attend the sessions", as long as it is planned well. Whether the event has encouraged the children just starting out in chess is yet to be seen, but the feedback was positive, and indeed in one case I remember, a child who had not played in 6 months started playing again after turning up to the event.
Again, all of this coaching can only be a good thing, provided it is done in a positive way.