What Can Chess Teach Students about Career Exploration? Evidence from Group Work

May  Trianadya; Devi  Permatasari; Laily  Tiarani Soejanto

Authors

May Trianadya Guidance and Counseling Program, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang
Devi Permatasari Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang
Laily Tiarani Soejanto Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang

Keywords:

Group work, Career exploration, Career understanding, Chess-based game, Career planning strategy

Abstract

Career exploration understanding is a crucial foundation for students in planning their vocational future. This study aims to test the effectiveness of group guidance interventions through chess game techniques in increasing students' career exploration understanding. Using a One Group Pretest- Posttest design, the study involved 10 grade X students of SMA Kristen Petra Malang as subjects. The results of statistical analysis using the Paired Samples T-Test showed a significance value of 0.009 (p < 0.05), which indicates that the use of chess game techniques is significantly effective in helping students understand their potential and devise career plan strategies.

References

Ahmed, S. K. (2024). How to choose a sampling technique and determine sample size for research: A simplified guide for researchers. Oral Oncology Reports, 12, 100662. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oor.2024.100662.

Anderson, S. F. (2020). Model specification for nonlinearity and heterogeneity of regression in randomized pretest posttest studies: Practical solutions for missing data. Psychological Methods. https://doi.org/10.1037/met0000364.

Atangongo, B., Teye-Kwadjo, E. & Larry-Afutu, J. (2024). Factors Influencing Career Interests and Choices of High School Adolescents in Tamale, Northern Ghana. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 46(2), 242–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-024-09549-0.

Atmoko, A., Bariyyah, K., Nurihsan, J., Prihandoko, T. L., Riyana, C., Juwanto, Fitriyatinur, Q., Soejanto, L. T., Afandi, N. H., & Apsari, D. A. (2026). Measuring Lifelong Career Planning in Inclusive Education: Psychometric Properties of the PRISMA Scale using Rasch Analysis. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.34.1.23.

Azeem, M. (2026). An optimal quantitative randomized response technique under PPS sampling design. Communications in Statistics - Theory and Methods, 55(12), 3534–3546. https://doi.org/10.1080/03610926.2025.2580525.

Bakar, A. Y.A., Bariyyah, K., Andrianie, S., Setyorini, S., Ariyanto, R. D., Soejanto, L. T., & Bil Humaydah, D. I. (2026). Enhancing Students’ Self-Disclosure Through Assertive Training: Evidence from a Group Counseling Intervention. Buletin Konseling Inovatif, 6(2), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.17977/2797-9954.1175.

Bierer, S. B., Beck Dallaghan, G., Borges, N. J., Brondfield, S., Fung, C. C., Huggett, K. N., Teal, C. R., Thammasitboon, S. & Colbert, C. Y. (2025). Moving Beyond Simplistic Research Design in Health Professions Education: What a One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design Will Not Prove. MedEdPORTAL : The Journal of Teaching and Learning Resources, 21, 11527. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11527.

Bhanu, S., Baswaraj, D., Devi Bigul, S. & Sastry, J. K. R. (2019). Career prediction through cognitive models using sudoku game – the assessment of applicability. International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering Research, 7(11), 473–480. https://doi.org/10.30534/ijeter/2019/127112019.

Brooks, B. A. (2025). Exploring the Big Five Career Theories: Guiding Lights for Career Development. Nurse Leader, 23(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2025.102489.

Camacho-Thompson, D. E. & Simpkins, S. D. (2022). Parental involvement in organized after-school activities and adolescent motivational beliefs. Applied Developmental Science, 26(1), 176–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2020.1750400.

Capili, B. & Anastasi, J. K. (2024). An Introduction to Types of Quasi-Experimental Designs. The American Journal of Nursing, 124(11), 50–52. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0001081740.74815.20.

Chen, S., Chen, H., Ling, H. & Gu, X. (2022). An Online Career Intervention for Promoting Chinese High School Students’ Career Readiness. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 12-2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.815076.

Celik, F., Turan, R. & Bektas, H. (2025). The effect of game-based interventions on the nursing students’ level of knowledge: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nurse Education Today, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106746.

Chen, S.-M., Lee, M.-C., Chang, T.-Y., Tsai, P.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Huang, P.-H., Peng, T.-R., Lee, J.-A., Hsing, C.-P. & Tien, H.-L. S. (2026). Career adaptability of pharmacy students in Taiwan: A qualitative study. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 18(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2026.102610.

Chen, S., Chen, H., Ling, H., & Gu, X. (2021). How Do Students Become Good Workers? Investigating the Impact of Gender and School on the Relationship between Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Career Exploration. Sustainability, 13(14), 7876. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147876.

Chen, Wanyu, Yang, Lejin, Li, Longji, Shao, Kaixu, Wang, Wei & Wang, Feng. (2025). Adolescent–Parent Career Congruence and Career Adaptability in High School Students: Learning Factors’ Mediation. Journal of Career Development, 52(3), 407–422. https://doi.org/10.1177/08948453251323825.

Chun, J., Curtiss, S. L., Richard, C., Zhou, K., Rios, Y. C., Park, S., Kim, J. & Koc, M. (2025). Where Does Hope Lie? The Dialectical Tensions Between Hopes and Expectations of Vocational Transition Planning from the Perspectives of Autistic Young Adults, Parents, and Practitioners. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(5), 1857–1875. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06348-9.

Creswell, J. W. (2019). Educational Reserch Planing, Conducting and Evaluating Quantitatice and Qualitative Research.USA: Pearson

Damodar, P., Shetty, A., Prakash, A. & Dsouza, K. J. (2024). Transformative career maturity training for rural adolescents: an exploratory approach. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 29(1), 2398044. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2024.2398044.

Dang, J. & Liu, L. (2020). When peer norms work? Coherent groups facilitate normative influences on cyber aggression. Aggressive Behavior, 46(6), 559–569. https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.21920.

Debrenti, E. (2025). The chess palace complex skills development programme in primary school. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 56(8), 1531–1553. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2025.2514103.

Dostanić, J., Suvajdžić, K. & Krpović–Bojanić, Ž. (2021). Decision-Making Styles, Career Decision Self-Efficacy, and Career Adaptability Among High School Students. Career Development Quarterly, 69(1), 63–77. https://doi.org/10.1002/cdq.12249.

Fang, G., Xie, M., Zheng, C. & Wang, J. (2025). The impact of teacher support on school adaptation among Chinese urban adolescents: a moderated mediation model. BMC Public Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21758-9.

Gerhardt, S., Lex, G., Holzammer, J., Karl, D., Wieland, A., Schmitt, R., Recuero, A. J., Montero, J. A., Weber, T. & Vollstädt-Klein, S. (2022). Effects of chess-based cognitive remediation training as therapy add-on in alcohol and tobacco use disorders: protocol of a randomised, controlled clinical fMRI trial. BMJ Open, 12(9). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057707.

Gerçek, M. & Özveren, C. G. (2026). Linking career exploration and decision self-efficacy to career engagement: a sequential mediation model of career adaptability and career calling. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-026-09799-x.

Habsy, B. A., Febiyanti, D., Arsalan, F. I. P., Maulana, H. & Arfianti, Y. P. (2024). Basic Concepts of the Group Approach in Guidance and Counseling. Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Dan Psikologi, 1(3), 207–217. https://doi.org/10.61397/jkpp.v1i3.122.

He, M., Wu, S.-F., Kang, C.-X., Xu, X., Liu, X.-F., Tang, M. & Huang, B.-B. (2022). Can sampling techniques improve the performance of decomposition-based hydrological prediction models? Exploration of some comparative experiments. Applied Water Science, 12(8). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-022-01696-2.

Hikmy, B. J., Supriatna, M. & Yudha, E. S. (2022). Pengembangan instrumen eksplorasi karir remaja menggunakan analisis Rasch model. Psychocentrum Review, 4(2), 250–256. https://doi.org/10.26539/pcr.421142.

Hoffelner, C., Nägele, C. & Düggeli, A. (2025). Play for the future: A cross-sectional study on the role of video game skills in student career planning. Simulation & Gaming, 56(4), 350–373. https://doi.org/10.1177/10468781251328894.

Huda, A. I. Z., Ismanto, H. S. & Kusumawati, M. I. (2024). The Relationship Between Self-Concept And Career Choice Of Students In Class Ix Junior High School. Jurnal Bikotetik (Bimbingan Dan Konseling: Teori Dan Praktik), 8(1), 57–66. https://doi.org/10.26740/bikotetik.v8n1.p57-66.

Hunter, C. & Bowen, B. E. (2024). We’ll never have a model of an AI major-general: Artificial Intelligence, command decisions, and kitsch visions of war. Journal of Strategic Studies, 47(1), 116–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2023.2241648.

Inhulsen, M.-B. M. R., van Stralen, M. M., van Nassau, F., & Busch, V. (2025). Process evaluation of a school-based intervention promoting sleep health in adolescents: A mixed-methods study. Journal of School Health, 95(11), 944–954. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70061.

Irving, B. A. (2021). The Positioning of Social Justice: Critical Challenges for Career Development. In P. J. Robertson, T. Hooley & P. McCash (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Career Development (p. 0). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190069704.013.1.

Jiang, Z., Newman, A., Le, H., Presbitero, A. & Zheng, C. (2019). Career exploration: A review and future research agenda. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 110, 338–356. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2018.08.008.

Jiang, X., Yang, J., Wang, X. & Hou, Y. (2024). Career adaptability in higher vocational education: examining crossover effects from headteachers to students. Career Development International, 29(5), 544–557. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-04-2023-0096.

Khalid, K. & Ahmad, A. M. (2021). The relationship between employability skills and career adaptability: a case of undergraduate students of the United Arab Emirates. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 11(5), 1035–1054. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-08-2020-0175.

Kitani, M. & Murakami, H. (2022). One-sample location test based on the sign and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation, 92(3), 610–622. https://doi.org/10.1080/00949655.2021.1968399.

Levin, N., Masdonati, J., Castella, P. & Grassi, E. (2024). Associations of career decision-making strategies with career decision-making self-efficacy and difficulties among French-speaking Swiss adolescents and young adults. Journal of Career Assessment, 32(4), 698–720. https://doi.org/10.1177/10690727241232439.

Liu, T. & Israel, M. (2022). Uncovering students’ problem-solving processes in game-based learning environments. Computers and Education, 182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104462

Lu, Z., Ke, Z., Cheung, R. Y. M. & Zhang, Q. (2025). Synthesizing data from pretest–posttest-control-group designs in mediation meta-analysis. Behavior Research Methods, 57(5). https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-025-02661-y.

Mazwar, R. & Sabarrudin, S. (2024). Proses Pemilihan Karir Menurut Ginzberg. Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan, 10(10), 752–760. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11500118.

McDermott, R. (2023). On the scientific study of small samples: Challenges confronting quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The Leadership Quarterly, 34(3), 101675. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2023.101675

Mohammed N, M. N. & Karpudewan, M. (2024). STEM-PT Traveler, a game-based approach for learning elements of the periodic table: an approach for enhancing secondary school students’ motivation for learning chemistry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 25(4), 1251–1267. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4rp00032c

Mondal, S. & Traczyk, J. (2026). Adaptive decision making in the wild: a case study of chess. Thinking and Reasoning, 32(2), 307–327. https://doi.org/10.1080/13546783.2025.2550306

Nguyen, N.-K., Le, H.-Y. P., Nguyen, V. H. A., Nguyen-Duong, B.-T. & Thanh, D. T. (2024). The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Career Decision-Making Difficulties: Mediation Role of Career Adaptability of University Students. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 13(2), 67–82. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v13n2p67.

Parola, A., Diano, F., Ponticorvo, M. & Sica, L. S. (2024). Exploring the adolescents’ career development and career-related teacher support: the NEFELE career guidance model. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 15-2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1437472

Pham, M., Lam, B. Q. & Tuan Ngoc Bui, A. (2024). Career exploration and its influence on the relationship between self-efficacy and career choice: The moderating role of social support. Heliyon, 10(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31808

Ramanda, P., Khairat, I., Yusof, H. M., Fitria, E., & Rifa’i, H. (2025). Group guidance using spiritual emotional freedom technique (seft) to reduce student’s career anxiety. Jurnal Bikotetik (Bimbingan Dan Konseling: Teori Dan Praktik), 9(1), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.26740/bikotetik.v9n1.p26-40.

Ramesh, M., Charles, A., Grayzman, A., Hiltensperger, R., Kalha, J., Kulkarni, A., Mahlke, C., Moran, G. S., Mpango, R., Mueller-Stierlin, A. S., Nixdorf, R., Ryan, G. K., Shamba, D. & Slade, M. (2023). Societal and organisational influences on implementation of mental health peer support work in low-income and high-income settings: a qualitative focus group study. BMJ Open, 13(8). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058724.

Ran, J., Liu, H., Yuan, Y., Yu, X. & Dong, T. (2023). Linking Career Exploration, Self-Reflection, Career Calling, Career Adaptability and Subjective Well-Being: A Self-Regulation Theory Perspective. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 16, 2805–2817. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S420666.

Regita, S. M., Purwanto, E. & Saraswati, S. (2024). The Effectiveness of Theory of Work Adjustment-based Career Information through ISORA Game Media on Career Decision Making Difficulties. Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling, 45–51. https://doi.org/10.15294/09v1fb50.

Rachman, Y. A., Sumarwan, U., Latifah, M. & Herawati, T. (2025). Social-emotional development in adolescents: The role of peer interaction, social media engagement, and self-esteem. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 7(8). https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025363.

Ramanda, P., Khairat, I., Yusof, H. M., Fitria, E., & Rifa’i, H. (2025). Group guidance using spiritual emotional freedom technique (seft) to reduce student’s career anxiety. urnal Bikotetik (Bimbingan Dan Konseling: Teori Dan Praktik), 9(1), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.26740/bikotetik.v9n1.p26-40.

Rouse, E. & Harrison, S. (2022). Choreographing Creativity: Exploring Creative Centralization in Project Groups. Academy of Management Discoveries, 8(3), 384–413. https://doi.org/10.5465/amd.2020.0076.

Sala, G. & Gobet, F. (2016). Do the benefits of chess instruction transfer to academic and cognitive skills? A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 18, 46–57. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2016.02.002.

Savickas, M. L. (2005). The Theory and Practice of Career Construction. In S. D. Brown, & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work (pp. 42-70). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.

Semchenko, А. А., Mamylina, N. V, Korchemkina, Y. V. & Savchenkov, А. V. (2022). Physiological effects of the introducing of the program of personalized support for adolescent chess players. Teoriya i Praktika Fizicheskoy Kultury, 2022(12), 47–49. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85143236023&partnerID=40&md5=b9e98c095ab110b85c33eb89c0b41b32.

Shaw, S. R. (2022). Reaching and teaching students who don’t qualify for special education: Strategies for the inclusive education of diverse learners. USA: Routledge.

Sheu, H.-B. (2023). Temporal precedence between and mediating effects of career decision self-efficacy and career exploratory behavior among first-year college students: Within-person and between-person analyses by race/ethnicity and gender. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 144, 103882. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2023.103882.

Skoog, M., Rubertsson, C. & Kristensson Hallström, I. (2023). Feasibility of an evidence-based educational intervention in screening immigrant mothers for postpartum depression: A pretest-posttest experimental design. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 37(1), 173–184. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.13086.

Soejanto, L. T., & Rahmawati, A. I. N. (2023). Peran career decision making difficulties sebagai mediator hubungan antara career decision making self efficacy dan career decision making. Jurnal Bimbingan Dan Konseling Kajian dan Aplikasi, 2(1), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.59672/jbk.v1i2.2576.

Sugiyono. (2019). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan R&D. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Super, D. E. (1980). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 16(3), 282–298. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-8791(80)90056-1.

Umar, N. F., Pandang, A., Hasim, M., Aminuddin, A. & Kasmawati, S. (2026). Staying Insecure or Adapting? Career Adaptability and Insecurity on Self-Efficacy in Final-Year Students in University. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 15(1), 67–81. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v15n1p67.

Vignoli, E. (2015). Career indecision and career exploration among older French adolescents: The specific role of general trait anxiety and future school and career anxiety. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 89, 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2015.06.005.

Wang, D., Li, Y. & Wang, G. (2024). A systematic review on career interventions for high school students. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 15-2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1461503.

Wang, Y. & Ji, Y. (2021). How do they learn : types and characteristics of medical and healthcare student engagement in a simulation-based learning environment. BMC Medical Research, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-02858-7.

Widyowati, A., Hood, M., Duffy, A. & Creed, P. (2025). The interactive effects of self ‑ and parent ‑ referenced career goal discrepancies on young adults ’ career indecision. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 25(3), 1027–1050. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-024-09677-4.

Watson, K., Mahatmya, D., Ali, S., Nicpon, M. F. & Assouline, S. (2025). Understanding factors that influence students’ sense of belonging and engagement in a career exploration program: A mixed methods study. The Career Development Quarterly, 73(1), 32–47. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/cdq.12368.

Wetstone, H. & Rice, K. G. (2023). Enhancing Career Adaptability Among University Students: An Intervention Study. Journal of Career Development, 50(6), 1279–1292. https://doi.org/10.1177/08948453231187910.

Xie, J., Zhang, B., Yao, Z., Peng, B., Chen, H. & Gao, J. (2022). The Relationship Between Social Mobility Belief and Learning Engagement in Adolescents: The Role of Achievement Goal Orientation and Psychological Capital. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.792108.

Xu, M., Lu, H. & Guo, Q. (2023). Research on the impact of basic psychological needs satisfaction on career adaptability of Chinese college students. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1275582.

Zhang, M., Kuang, M., Shi, H., Zhu, J., Zhu, J. & Jiang, X. (2026). Command-agent: Reconstructing warfare simulation and command decision-making using large language models. Defence Technology, 56, 294–313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2025.09.004.

Zhang, L., Wu, S., Roslan, S., Zaremohzzabieh, Z., Chen, Y. & Jiang, Y. (2022). Intervention effect of group counseling on social support and post-stress growth of orphans and vulnerable children in China. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 13-2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.962654.