Game sense is an approach to teaching physical education that focuses on using games as the central part of lessons rather than isolated skill practice. It emphasizes student-centered problem solving and collaboration over teacher instruction. Lessons involve modified games to help students develop skills, understanding of game concepts, and decision making simultaneously. Studies show students who learn with a game sense approach experience greater engagement, improved skills, increased motivation and enjoyment, and less behavior issues compared to traditional PE teaching methods.

1. Kate Manners | 18023897

2. WHAT IS GAME SENSE?
Game sense is an approach to teaching that
involves games as the focus of the lessons rather
than learning and practicing techniques (Towns,
2002).
Teacher guides players through
problem solving rather than
telling them what to do.
Learning is facilitated through
dialogue between players and
between players and the
teacher (Light, 2006).
Emphasis is placed on
the development of
skills, understanding,
and decision-making
ability as occurring at
the same time, rather
than isolating the
different techniques
(Light, 2006).

3. TYPES OF GAMES INVOLVED IN GAME
SENSE:
Category Example
Invasion Soccer, basketball,
rugby
Striking Cricket, softball
Net/wall Volleyball, tennis
Target Golf, archery

4. FEATURES OF A LESSON
Some features of a Game Sense lesson include;
• Teacher identifies key techniques of the game and puts
them into a modified or constrained game
• Small-sided teams participate in game activities relative
to the sport to gain an understanding and discover
skills
• Games in lessons designed to have similar principles of
play and tactical problems
• ‘Game first’ rather than ‘practice first’
(Pill, 2016).

5. WHY CHOOSE GAME SENSE? & RATIONALE
I believe that it is important for students to enjoy
their learning in order to get the most out of it.
Allowing students to collaborate and problem
solve is also an important life skill, that can help
to improve their social wellbeing as well as their
learning.
I believe that Game Sense is the best approach to
use in PE it allows students to gain a deeper
understanding in a more enjoyable way.

6. COMPARING GAME SENSE TO TRADITION PE TEACHING
APPROACHES, STUDIES HAVE SHOWN STUDENTS
EXPERIENCED;
• More engagement, implying a more enjoyable and powerful
learning experience
• a greater improvement in skills in the different games, which
can make them feel more confident and eager to participate
• A higher level of motivation and enhanced learning
• Less behavioural issues and need for behaviour management
as they are given more responsibility to problem solve and
work through different skills
• An overall increase in levels of physical activity, engagement,
motivation and enjoyment
(Pill, 2016).

7. LINKS TO NSW SYLLABUS
The Game Sense approach fits into the PDHPE syllabus and
its rationale as it;
• Is concerned with developing students’ knowledge and
understanding, skills, values and attitudes that will
enable them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
• Makes physical activity a more enjoyable, creative and
social outlet.
• can assist students in decision making processes so that
they can increase their knowledge of options available to
them and predict likely consequences.
Board of Studies, NSW, 2012

8. REFERENCES
Board of Studies NSW. (2012). Personal Development Health and Physical Education
(PDHPE) K-6 Syllabus. Retrieved from
http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/f63e7d9d-fa2a-471b-bf3c-
d5b362fddb00/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=
Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical
Education New Zealand, 39(1), 8-19.
Pill, S. (2016). An appreciation inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical
education. Sport, Education and Society, 21(2), 279-297.
Towns, J. (2002). About Game Sense. Retrieved from
https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-2927199-dt-content-rid-
23734215_1/courses/102072_2017_2h/Games%20Sense%20Supplemental%20Reading
.pdf