2. What is Game Sense?
Game sense involves a learner centred approach, allowing the children to have
control of what is happening.
Revolves around the idea that games are vital for the development of a child
because they are fun and able to engage children in a way that textbooks
can’t.
Just think, this is essentially what children do in the playground, away from worry
of rules and regulations used in the classroom, they are able to be both
physically active and having an enjoyable time (Townsend, 2007).
Strongly reflects constructivist approaches to teaching, where children are
placed in environments that allow them to be active learner and teachers
facilitate them in this process (Woolfolk & Margretts, 2013).
3. The traditional method
Traditionally, PE was taught in a very different style than what it is
now. Back in our day, it followed more of a Behaviourist, teacher
centred model.
The traditional method revolved around the main concepts of;
The concentration of developing skills rather than cognitive
development.
The creation of Great Athletes, not necessarily smart players.
A lack of consideration for the individual learning process.
4. What are the benefits of Game Sense?
There are many benefits of using Game Sense to learn PE as
opposed to the more traditional method. In order for these
benefits to occur, it is important to for teachers to effectively
create an environment for optimum learning. Given the right
environment, the benefits of using Game Sense are;
Provides a context for skills that are being taught.
This means that students are able to know why they are being taught skills,
enabling them to develop their understanding for both the game and the skills.
5. Categories of Games
Games can be put into four different categories, based on how the games are
played. These are all games that can types that can be played by using Game
Sense.
These four categories are;
Invasion
-Soccer, Football, ect.
Net and Wall
-Volleyball, Tennis, ect.
Striking and Fielding
-Cricket, Baseball, ect.
Target
-Darts, Golf, ect.
6. Benefits Cont.
Is an example of a Constructivist method
Constructivism is one of the most valued and highly used teaching methods that
allows for children to learn through exploration and questioning.
Gives Children freedom to be creative
Children are able to release their creative energy due to the fluid nature of
Game Sense. Nothing is set in stone, and games can easily be modified
Allows Children to Self-Regulate
In order for children to develop the ability to learn independently, they must be
given ample opportunity to do so. Game Sense provides them with an
opportunity to be able to learn through participation.
Creates flexibility during play
Students are able to modify games to suit themselves, allowing games to
become easier, more complicated, or just more enjoyable.
7. References
Townsend, G. 2007. Game Sense. Rugby Football Union.
DR Truong, S. 2014. Lecture 2: Childrens movement and
FMS. UWS, PDHPE Lecture Slides.
Woolfolk, A., & Margetts, K. (2013). Educational
psychology (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forest, Australia:
Pearson.
