Game Sense Assignment

1. Game
Sense
Teaching Games for
Understanding
Danielle Robinson 17572949

2. What is Game
Sense?
Game sense is a teaching
method that has been based
on the ‘Teaching Games for
Understanding’ model (Light,
2006).
Game sense is a student
centred approach in which
students are able to develop
and practice skills while still
being active in the game
(Light, 2006).

3. What is Game
Sense Continued?
A game sense pedagogical
approach comprises of:
• Modified games instead of
‘full ruled’ games.
• Designer games to
emphasise tactics and
motor skill learning.
• ‘Game first’ as opposed to
‘practice first’ lesson
planning.
(Pill, 2014)

4. What is Game
Sense Continued?
The game sense approach
develops students cognitive
skills and also their fundamental
sporting skills whereas
traditional teaching methods
did not (Pill, 2014).
The game sense approach
categorises games into four
categories:
• Target
• Striking
• Net and Wall
• Invasion
(Light, 2006)

5. Benefits of Game Sense
The first benefit of using the game sense approach in
physical education classes is the fact that the students
get the opportunity to learn skills and techniques
through modified games. This allows students to build
on skills previously learnt rather than just being
expected to learn how to play a specific sport right
away.

6. Benefits of Game Sense
Continued
Secondly, using the game sense approach allows
for the teacher and lessons to be flexible and easily
modified to suit the skill level of each individual
student. This is important as it is crucial that all
students are participating and engaged in the
lesson.
Lastly, the game sense approach allow students to
develop socialisation skills through interaction with
peers and also the ability to express themselves
more.

7. Links to the Syllabus
Using a game sense approach ensures that the following skills are
being met (Board of Studies, 2013):
Communicating- communicates in a group situation with both the
teacher and other students.
Decision making- students are able to make decisions that will
benefit themselves and a group of students.
Moving- students spend more time participating in activities as
opposed to watching them be done.
COS3.1-Communicates confidently in a variety of situations.
DMS3.3- Makes informed decisions and accepts responsibility for
consequences.
MOS3.4- Refines and applies movement skills creatively to a variety
of challenging situations.
GSS3.8- Applies movement skills in games and sports that require
communication, cooperation, decision making and observation of
rules.

8. Reference List
Board of Studies, NSW (2013). NSW Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education (PDHPE) K-6 Syllabus.
Pill, S. (2014). An appreciative enquiry exploring game sense teaching
in physical education. Sport, education and Society.
doi/full/10.1080/13573322.2014.912624
Light, R. (2006). Game sense: Innovation or just good coaching?
Journal of Physical Education New Zealand, 39, 1.