2. What is the game sense
approach?
The game sense approach is pedagogical technique that ascertains students physical skill from
teaching the game rather than traditional skill drills.
This is the game sense model:
The game sense approach is generally taught
best through invasion games.
Invasion games are games that can score, have
defending and attacking sides, no defined
territory and the winner is determined by the
highest score.
3. Core Aim of Game Sense
”Players who can read and write the
game by themselves”
4. Game Sense is…
Student-centred and inquiry based
Autonomy building in learning understanding and skill of a game
Learning occurs with the game or a modified version of the game
Main focus is on the game, not the skill of the game because the students skill
develops at the same time
Game sense provides a holistic understanding of the game at hand
5. So where is the teacher in the
Game Sense Approach?
The lesson’s are student-centred, therefore the teacher discusses options with the
students and is open to their ideas – they are even encouraged to use their
imagination and be creative. This generates more inclusivity between the teacher
and students which in turn the teacher-student relationships flourish as students
feedback is valued and considered. This is especially important as reflection of
each lesson is necessary for continued improvement and learning through games.
6. My Rationale for Using the Game Sense
Approach as a Pedagogical Tool
The game sense approach adequately incorporates all students to be physically
active, develop fundamental movement skills, is inclusive of all students regardless
of their ability level, provides an avenue for creativity and autonomous learning
while adhering to the NSW K-6 PDHPE Syllabus outcomes and indicators.
This approach is highly regarded by many professionals in this field and as I am a
generalist teacher – those recommendations are taken with high respect.
This is an approach that can work well for students in all classes, however, in Year 3
and 4 students interaction and participation with invasion games increases.
Therefore, I regard this approach as the best for my class.
7. Game Sense Strengths as a
Teaching Strategy
Modified games provide a strong inclusivity for students with diverse learning
needs
These modified games enhance participation throughout the lesson
Student’s learning becomes more autonomous
Skill level generally improves over traditional approaches to invasion games
Stimulates intellectual, social and physical learning.
Develops fundamental movement skills
8. References
Light, R., Curry, C., & Mooney, A. (2014). Game Sense as a model for delivering quality teaching in
physical education. Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education, 5(1), 67-81.
doi:10.1080/18377122.2014.868291
O'Leary, N. (2015). Learning informally to use the 'full version of teaching games for
understanding. European Physical Education Review, 22(1), 3-22. doi:10.1177/1356336x15586177
Oslin, J., & Mitchell, S. (n.d.). Game-Centered Approaches to Teaching Physical Education.
Handbook of Physical Education, 627-651. doi:10.4135/9781848608009.n35
Pill, S. (2014). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical education. Sport,
Education and Society, 21(2), 279-297. doi:10.1080/13573322.2014.912624
Primary Health and Physical Education Lecture 2
