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Reuben Salimu: A Leader in Chess Education and Coaching

Reuben Salimu is an individual who bridges the gap between the chess world and broader educational and developmental paradigms. As the Founder and Executive Director of African Chess Lounge and the Head Coach of Curro Durbanville Chess Academy, he frequently collaborates with diverse groups, imparting his philosophy on leadership, coaching, and educational success. Reuben's accomplishments and sincere humility distinguish him as a compelling speaker.

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The Highs & Lows of Leadership in Chess Education

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Growing as a player in chess

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Reuben is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and structured methodology, which have proven effective in chess education and coaching. His articulate and relatable communication style, coupled with a genuine passion for the game, has made him an admired figure in the chess community. Reuben is adept at demystifying complex chess strategies and concepts, making them accessible to all levels of players. His enthusiasm for excellence and accountability is contagious.

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Topics

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  1. Building a Culture of Chess Excellence

  2. Managing Team Dynamics in Chess Competitions

  3. Maximizing Individual Chess Talent

  4. Developing Informal Leadership Within Chess Teams

  5. Risk Management in Chess Strategy

  6. Unlocking the Potential of Aspiring Chess Players

 

Parenting in Chess

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Reuben emphasizes that schools should be places of learning and preparation rather than just platforms for performance. By mastering chess skills and developing genuine competence, students are better equipped to handle the pressures of competition.

As an involved father and a figurehead in the chess community, Reuben takes the opportunity to speak to parents and educators about their role in shaping children's experiences with chess. He shares compelling aspects of his own journey, inviting us to reconsider and refine our approach to involvement in scholastic chess.

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Topics

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  1. My Journey in Chess Education

  2. Encounters with Chess Mentors: Positive Influences in My Life

  3. The Transition to Professional Chess Coaching

  4. Navigating Expectations as a Coach

  5. Parenting a Chess Player: Understanding the Child's Perspective

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Teachers in Chess

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Teachers are the architects of chess education, shaping the minds and skills of their students. With a unique blend of expertise and pedagogical methods, they have the potential to make a lasting impact on the chess journey of young talents.

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Topics

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1. Alphabet of Methods: From basics to advanced tactics, teachers should possess an arsenal of teaching methods and materials to address varied learning styles. Collecting training material and sample games is essential

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2. Personality Development Through Chess: Chess isn't just a game; it's a tool for personality development. Research shows that chess can significantly contribute to one's personal growth

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3. The Educational Tool: The ultimate goal is not just to teach chess but to arm students with a powerful educational tool that they can apply in various aspects of their lives

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4. Online Learning Platforms: With the rise of digital education, teachers should be adept at leveraging online platforms that offer video tutorials and other interactive features to enhance the learning experience

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5. Research-Driven Teaching: Being aware of significant research on the benefits of chess can add a layer of credibility and effectiveness to teaching methods.

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6. Building Scholastic Chess Programs: A well-structured guide or curriculum is crucial for scholastic chess organizers to initiate, improve, or strengthen school chess programs

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