Training chess
- 01/10/2026 – Rosenthal Effect
(2) iPaul on X: “麻省理工发现一个很神奇的方法，能让孩子心甘情愿写作业的“罗森塔尔效应”。家长们可以马住试一试！ https://t.co/vqaeaRlxUZ” / X
- The post promotes a 3-minute video detailing an 8-step homework routine—starting with playtime, task ordering by difficulty, and point-based rewards—attributed to MIT’s “Rosenthal Effect” for fostering willing compliance through positive parental expectations.
- The Rosenthal Effect, identified in a 1968 Harvard experiment by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson, shows teacher expectations subtly improve student outcomes via self-fulfilling prophecies; no records tie it to MIT or this exact routine, which blends it with time-management techniques.
- Replies reveal skepticism on real-world enforcement, aligning with self-determination theory studies (e.g., Ryan & Deci, 2000) indicating routines succeed best when building intrinsic interest rather than rigid incentives, which can reduce long-term motivation if perceived as controlling.
Introduction to the Rosenthal Effect: MIT discovered a method called the “Rosenthal Effect” (also known as the Pygmalion effect) that encourages children to do homework willingly by fostering positive expectations from parents, making kids feel respected and motivated. It’s recommended by a Shanghai key elementary school teacher as an effective way to combat procrastination without commands, which trigger instinctive resistance.
- Step 1: Playtime After School: Let the child play for half an hour immediately after returning home to refresh and build motivation, as this helps improve learning efficiency through exercise and relaxation.
- Step 2: Handle Chores in 5 Minutes: Give the child exactly 5 minutes to deal with all miscellaneous tasks (e.g., eating, drinking water, using the toilet). Once homework starts, they must stay focused and cannot leave their seat for a fixed period.
- Step 3: Order Assignments by Difficulty: Prioritize brain-intensive tasks like math calculations first when the brain is most active. Place simpler tasks (e.g., copying words) in the middle. Save the most difficult problems for last to use energy effectively and teach time management.
- Step 4: Clear the Desk: Remove all distractions from the desk, placing only one assignment at a time. Complete it before switching to the next to maintain focus.
- Step 5: Review Before Writing: Flip through the textbook to review material before starting questions. Skip unknowns temporarily without getting stuck, as this consolidates daily learning and quickly resolves knowledge gaps.
- Step 6: Check and Self-Question: After completion, check work. For younger children, provide a small range (e.g., “One of these three questions is wrong”) to guide self-correction. For older kids, use a larger range to encourage independent thinking and problem-solving.
- Step 7: Use an Incentive Table: Create a homework check-in table with a points system for rewards. Children earn points for completing tasks, which they can redeem for prizes, making homework more engaging and proactive. Customize the table based on preferences.
- Step 8: Organize a Wrong Questions Notebook: Maintain a notebook for recording and reviewing wrong answers from daily homework. This is emphasized as crucial for long-term improvement.
Overall Benefits and Encouragement: Practicing this for a year can greatly enhance a child’s learning autonomy and motivation. The video encourages hardworking parents to try it and share the method.
- 01/09/2026 – Coach Navid recommended books
Good for beginners: Dan Heismann
Amatour mind: Jeremy Silman
How to reaccess your chess : Jeremy Silman
- 01/05/2026 – one parent from San Diego Chess Club recommended this chess club for me, REBECCA CHESS CLUB – Index. It seems very interesting.
- 12/24/2025 – (1) Elon Musk on X: “You can sense the sentience maturing” / X
- 12/23/2025 – recommended by Elon Musk
- The post highlights a 2022 meta-analysis on goal setting in sports, showing process goals (e.g., technique focus) yield large performance gains (d=1.36), outperforming moderate effects from performance goals (d=0.44) and negligible ones from outcome goals (d=0.09).
- Author Steve Magness, a performance expert with books like “Do Hard Things,” uses this to advocate shifting from results obsession to actionable processes, aligning with self-regulation theory’s emphasis on controllable behaviors.
- Thread replies reveal practical curiosity—e.g., examples like training routines—and note the study’s age, reflecting sustained debate on applying goal research beyond elite athletics.
The best way to improve performance—whether in sports, skills, work, or personal development—is to prioritize process goals over outcome or performance goals, according to strong evidence from sports psychology research.A 2022 meta-analysis of 27 studies (Williamson et al.) found that:
- Process goals (focusing on technique, strategy, or controllable actions) had the largest effect on performance improvement (Cohen’s d = 1.36, a very large effect).
- Performance goals (e.g., achieving a specific time, score, or personal best) had a moderate effect (d = 0.44).
- Outcome goals (e.g., winning, beating others, or final rankings) had almost no effect (d = 0.09).
Process goals work better because they’re fully under your control, reduce anxiety from uncontrollable factors (like opponents or conditions), direct attention to executable actions, build self-efficacy, and promote consistent effort and persistence.Practical Steps to Improve Effectively
- Focus primarily on process goals
Identify the specific behaviors, techniques, or habits that drive better results.- Examples in running: “Maintain relaxed shoulders and quick cadence during strides” instead of “Run a sub-20-minute 5K.”
- In writing/public speaking: “Practice deep breathing before starting” instead of “Deliver a flawless presentation.”
- In learning a skill: “Spend 30 minutes daily on deliberate technique drills” instead of “Master this by next month.”
- Use a hierarchy of goals
- Set 1 big outcome goal for direction and motivation (e.g., “Win the league” or “Get promoted”).
- Break it into performance goals as milestones (e.g., “Improve my average score by 10% this season”).
- Drive everything with multiple process goals (the daily/weekly actions that make the above possible).
- Make goals SMART where it fits
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) is great for making process and performance goals concrete and trackable.- Bad: “Get better at free throws.”
- Good (process): “Practice 100 free throws with proper form 4 days per week for the next month.”
- Track progress and adjust regularly
Review weekly: What processes did you execute? What worked? Tweak as needed—flexibility prevents frustration. Feedback (from a coach, data, or self-review) amplifies goal effectiveness. - Combine with other proven habits
- Deliberate practice (focused, effortful repetition with feedback).
- Consistency over intensity.
- Build intrinsic motivation by emphasizing mastery and enjoyment of the process.
Obsessing over outcomes often leads to pressure and suboptimal performance. By shifting attention to controllable processes, you build better habits, stay motivated longer, and—paradoxically—achieve better outcomes as a byproduct. This approach is backed not just by the 2022 meta-analysis but aligns with decades of goal-setting theory in psychology. Start small, stack process wins, and improvement compounds.
- 11/29/2025 – Demis Hassabis talks about the moment he wanted to pursue research instead of continue the pursue of outstanding chess career. Playing chess is the best way to train mind of kid, but not much useful for the benefit of human society.
great documentary movie
(19) The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection – YouTube
- 11/29/2025 – I Played England’s Youngest Chess Master, Ethan Pang plays chess 2 hours a day
I Played England’s Youngest Chess Master
London Schoolboy Becomes Youngest Person in the World to achieve +2200 FIDE Chess Rating
Ethan Pang, a 9 year-old chess prodigy becomes youngest person in the world to achieve +2200 FIDE Chess Rating, earning him the title of Candidate Master (CM).
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 18, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — In an extraordinary display of talent and determination, 9 year-old Ethan Pang has made history by becoming the youngest person in the world to achieve a FIDE chess rating of 2200. This feat, accomplished during a chess tournament in Newmarket, Suffolk, has earned him the prestigious title of Candidate Master (CM).
Ethan’s journey to chess mastery began at the tender age of 5 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Like many other children forced to stay at home, he sought ways to entertain himself. He started playing chess and watching videos online and quickly developed a passion for the game. Recognising Ethan’s burgeoning talent, an extremely supportive chess coach at his school encouraged him to pursue the game more seriously.
From playing chess in the afterschool chess club, Ethan began participating in local over-the-board chess tournaments in London. His natural aptitude for chess quickly became apparent, and by the age of 7, Ethan was selected to represent England at the European Youth Chess Championship 2022. The following year, he also competed at the FIDE World Cadet Championships 2023 in Egypt.
Ethan’s father, Raymond says, “We’re really proud of Ethan and will continue to be his biggest supporters for as long as he wants to play.”
Ethan’s ascent to a FIDE rating of 2200 was sealed when he drew against an International Master (IM) in Newmarket, Suffolk.
This achievement, at just 9 years and 2 months old, makes him the youngest person to achieve this ranking.
He is also currently the highest-ranking child in the under 9 age group worldwide.
Ethan’s guiding principle is “Never give up!” as inscribed by one of his earlier chess coaches.
One of our Year 5 pupils, Ethan, has achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of chess. At just nine years old, Ethan is the youngest player ever to surpass a FIDE rating of 2200, allowing him to obtain the prestigious title of Candidate Master (CM). Ethan’s record-breaking accomplishment surpasses the previous record held by FM Faustino Oro.
Ethan became a member of Westminster Under School’s chess team under the guidance of Dr. Horridge, Head of History and Master i/c Chess, upon joining in Year 3. His passion for the game quickly became apparent, and with dedicated practice, both at home and at school, Ethan has made significant strides in his chess journey. Since turning nine in March, Ethan’s rating has soared from 1878 to an impressive 2212 in just three tournaments.
Ethan’s father, Mr Pang, said: “Since joining WUS, Ethan has experienced significant advances in both his chess abilities and personal growth. The school’s commitment to holistic development has been crucial in refining his chess skills, fostering positive behaviour, and instilling a strong philosophy for achieving his goals.
Through unwavering guidance and support, Dr Horridge has been instrumental in nurturing Ethan’s chess development. He has not only invited Ethan to participate in school tournaments but has also provided him with the opportunity to learn from his mistakes, enabling continual improvement. The combination of the school’s well-rounded approach and Dr Horridge’s dedicated mentorship has been pivotal in Ethan’s journey to becoming the accomplished chess player he is today.”
Dr Horridge, commented: “Ethan is a player of the most outstanding ability, a true prodigy with a glittering chess career ahead of him.”
- 11/28/2025 – chess lessons – Basic Chess Openings and mid game strategies
Basic Chess Openings Explained – GothamChess
The 10 Best Chess Plans For The Middlegame – Chess Strategy For The Middlegame – Midgame Strategy – ChessVibes
