Why a Game Sense approach

for teaching primary PE

classes?

Alan Chan18211766

What is Game Sense?

Game Sense is a teaching approach used in PE lessons which involves using a variety of games to allow students to grasp competency in particular skills in sports.

This approach is useful for students’ performance in games, giving them more understanding. The skills developed can be applied to a wide range of different sports (NSW DEC, 2011).

The games sense approach categorises team games into four areas:

invasion games e.g. soccer, touch, netball

target games e.g. golf, archery, bowls

court and net games e.g. volleyball, tennis, badminton

striking and fielding games e.g. cricket, softball.

Teachers modify the games or alter the rules to exaggerate the playing parameters, asking students to think “What must I do to succeed in this situation?” (NSW DEC, 2011)

Rationale and Discussion

Student-centred approach. Moving away from traditional methods of teaching skills or sports in PE lessons.

Students are always actively involved.

Enables students to develop their own skills and understanding.

Through playing the game, students gain their own understanding of particular skills and rules that are essential to play the game fairly and engagingly with their peers.

The game itself becomes the central focus of the lesson instead of placed at end of lesson.

Through playing the game, students gradually develop key skills. Pill, 2014

Rationale and Discussion

A holistic model of teaching because it focuses attention on the individual

The Game Sense approach enables student to get a comprehensive understanding of the game in its entirety, not just about learning a skill.

Great for students to get straight into the game, not the skills of the game.

Allows students to think what they’re doing, creating a fuller picture of the game.

Pill, 2014

Reference List

NSW Department of Education & Communities, Games sense approach to teaching in PDHPE – Curriculum Support, Retrieved October 12, 2014, http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au

Pill., Shane, Flinders University School of Education and President, SA Branch, Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Issue: Volume 29 Number 2, Retrieved October 12, 2014, http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportscoachmag/coaching_processes/teaching_games_for_understanding