Unlike traditional approaches in PE, that emphasis on skill rather
than on aspects such as awareness and tactical understanding and disregard the complexity of games and how individuals learn, game sense approach: is a systematic coaching approach developed from the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model (Light, 2006). is a new approach to teaching physical activity focuses on the play aspect of sport rather than the game itself (Brookes, 2012) What is a Game Sense approach?
Game Sense approach PE lessons:
Include inclusive modified games that focus on players performance in movement ability, tactical and athletic competency Teach technique and technical skill development rather than game understanding and appreciation Are ‘loosely constructed’ – modified rules to suit the students ability and interest (Townsend, 2007) Teach games for understanding [TGfU] (Bunker & Thorpe, 1982), learner-centred approach where the participants needs and abilities are put first rather than the importance of the game itself (Mandigo et al., 2008) Provide opportunity for learning and discovery of skills Simply… Game sense approach requires a game to be played followed by purposeful questioning by the teacher to guide student understanding of game skill and performance Game sense approach is a systematic progression of teaching skills from simplest to most complex Game sense approach is about classifying games according to structural similarities to allow for transfer of learning of different skills from different games in the same category For e.g. students will use skills basketball such as drippling and passing to play a more simple modified game. Why use a Game Sense approach in PE? Some of the ample benefits of using a Game Sense approach include: students development of Fundamental Movement Skills students development of social skills, decision making and problem solving (Hopper, Butler & Storey, 2009) student-centred approach – puts the needs of participants first focuses on the free play aspect of sport (Brookes, 2012) the loose structure increases the likelihood of participation, therefore, resulting in more fun, social interaction , experience and learning according to the constructivist approach (Light, 2004) Participants will not feel that they are not good at a game which will increases the motivation of beginning learners as they develop specific skills Links to the Syllabus (Board of Studies, 2006)
Students work towards developing skills in
Decision making – as they make informed decisions to reach the aim of the game Interacting – as they work collaboratively with peers, following rules of the game and help each other to reach common goal Communicating – as they express opinions, needs and wants as well as responding to the rules using their skills Moving – as they work towards developing and demonstrating mastery of Fundamental Movement Skills Problem Solving – as they gather data by developing questions and finding ways to resolve problems using a range of strategies to find an appropriate solution Key considerations that will be taken when teaching Game Sense in PE
Inclusivity of all players despite level of skill
Students will have the choice to make their own rules and modify the game Free play and time to learn through discovery Allow time for discussion and enquiry questions References Board of Studies. (2006). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K- 6. Retrieved from: http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/go/personal-development- health-and-physical- education-pdhpe Brookes, L. (2012). How the game sense approach in physical education can develop cognitive thinking. [Online] Sornerville House. Retrieved from http://www.somerville.qld.edu.au/sites/default/files/How %20the%20Game%20Se nse%20Approach%20in%20Physical%20Education%20can%20Develop%20Congniti ve %20Thinking_Leanne%20Brookes_0.pdf Hopper, T., Butler, J., & Storey, B. (2009). TGfU…Simply good pedagogy: understanding a complex challenge. PHE Canada: Ottawa Light, R. (2004). Coaches’ experiences of Game Sense: Opportunities and Challenges. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 9(2), 115-131. Doi: 10.1080/1740898042000294949 Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching. Journal of Physical Education, 39(1), 8-19 Mandigo, J., Holt, N., Anderson, A., & Sheppard, J. (2008). Children’s motivational experiences following autonomy-supportive games lessons. European Physical Education Review, 14(3), 407-425 Townsend, G. (2007). Game Sense. Well Read Bookshop: Newcastle