game sense

1. Game Sense
By Amy Lennon
18334210

2. What is Game Sense?
 Game Sense is an approach to teaching sport through modified games (Pill, 2016)
 This modification of games helps students improve their technique and skills through
active participation (Light, 2013b)
 It is an inclusive and accommodating approach to PE teaching and coaching (Light,
2013a)
 Utilises open-ended questioning to guide students into problem solving and
construction of new knowledge. In doing this, the students are able to modify the
game by discussing problems and developing their own solutions (Light, 2013b)
 Encourages all students to have a go, try their best, and have fun!

3. Teaching Games for Understanding
 Game Sense is an extension of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach to teaching
PE (Light, 2013a)
 TGfU follows a student-centred approach based on constructivist theory of teaching (Light, 2013b)
 The TGfU model positions students in situations where they need to use tactical thinking and decision
making to solve problems (Johnson & Walker, 2016)
 The TGfU model allows skill execution and development through play (Johnson & Walker, 2016).
 4 game categories
- net/wall
- target
- invasion
- striking/fielding
(Johnson & Walker, 2016)

4. Fundamental Movement Skills
 A central part of game sense is learning fundamental movement skills that can be
adapted into a variety of sports and situations (Light, 2013)
 The 12 fundamental movement skills are:
- Balance
- Sprint Run
- Vertical Jump
- Catch
- Hop
- Side Gallop
- Skip
- Leap
- Overhand Throw
- Dodge
- Kick
- Two Hand Strike
(NSW Board of Studies, 2007)

5. Rationale
 Game Sense uses a student-centred approach, where students develop their
own knowledge within a teacher-manipulated environment directing them, rather
than directly instructing them (Light, 2006). Allowing students to develop their
own knowledge allows them to be more engaged in the lesson.
 Game Sense allows students to explore and develop skills in a supportive
environment, which adds to their engagement and enjoyment of PE.
Design a learning
environment
Use questioning to
create discussion
Provide
opportunities for
students to work
collaboratively to
form, test and
evaluate solutions
Produce an
environment that
is socio-morally
supportive
Features of Game Sense Pedagogy
(Adapted from Light, 2013b, p.48)

6. Strengths of using Game Sense
 Game sense is used in teaching PE due to its inclusive nature for all students, no
matter what their abilities are.
 All students are involved not only in playing the game, but also in coming up with
ways to modify the game to make it more accessible for all students to play (Light,
2013b).
 Teaches students a variety of different movements and skills that can be transferred
across a multitude of sports through games (Light, 2006).
 Makes sport more relevant and rewarding (Light, 2006).
 Provides links to the NSW PDHPE syllabus.

7. Linking Game Sense to the Syllabus
 Game Sense allows for problem solving and decision making, which are key skills in the
PDHPE Syllabus (NSW Board of Studies, 2007).
 As previously discussed, Game Sense allows for development of movement skills
including locomotor and non-locomotor skills (NSW Board of Studies, 2007).
 Game Sense encourages collaboration and worker with others, helping them to develop
skills in playing fairly and cooperatively with others (NSW Board of Studies, 2007).

8. References
Johnson, I., & Walker, E. (2016). Teaching games for understanding: Building a physically literate individual. Journal of Physical Education,
Recreation & Dance, 87(6), 47-49. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/10.1080/07303084.2016.1192922
Light, R. (2006). Game sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical Education New Zealand, 39(1), 8-19. Retrieved from
https://search.proquest.com/
Light, R. (2013a). Game Sense for physical education and sport coaching. In Game Sense: Pedagogy for performance, participation and
enjoyment (pp.437-47). New York: Routledge.
Light, R. (2013). Game Sense pedagogy. In Game Sense: Pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment (pp.48-58). New York:
Routledge.
NSW Board of Studies. (2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6. Syllabus. Sydney, Australia: Board of Studies.
Pill, S. (2016). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical education. Sport, Education and Society, 21(2), 279-297.
doi:10.1080/13573322.2014.912624