Game Sense Approach
Why should we use it in PDHPE?
What is the
Game Sense approach?
The Game Sense method uses an altered version of
traditional sports and activities where students focus on
cognitive aspects of the game such as: game strategies,
awareness and tactics.
Game Sense attempts to stray away from skill and technique
based training (teacher focus)
Game Sense makes learning new games fun and encourages
students to engage in critical thinking, teamwork and decision
making while actively involved in the game (student centered).
By using Game Sense, students are constantly
challenged due to changing playing conditions
The Game Sense
Approach
The Game Sense approach uses games as a focus in a PDHPE class session.
By focusing on the game instead of technique and repetitive practise,
students are able focus on being more tactically aware and correct
decision making in the game. Therefore, students will develop strategic
thinking skills in an realistic game environment rather than repetitive drills
in isolation. The main goal of this approach is that skills and abilities are
being practiced within a genuine and fun context.
Developed by Bunker & Thorpe (1982)
The model displays the cycle of Game Sense in action while learning a
new game:
1. Students must understand the structure of the game
2. Recognise the tactics unique to the game
3. Develop an understanding of the rules
(What to do? How to do it?)
After students develop the first 3 attributes, the teacher can move them
on to skill execution and performance which can be developed by the
using drills and practise.
(Towns, 2002)
Game Sense Games
Students are encouraged to participate in
the four main Game Sense games:
Invasion Games (Soccer, Football,
Hockey, Netball and Basketball
Fielding Games (Cricket, Baseball,
Softball, Kickball)
Net & Wall Games (Tennis, Newcomb
Ball, Squash, Badminton, Volleyball
Target Games (Bowling, Golf)
However, the teacher should modify
these games in relation to the
performance of his/her class; less
challenging or more challenging
(light, 2004)
Game Sense and the
PDHPE RATIONALE(1)
[Link] an understanding and valuing
of self and others
Game Sense allows students to create their
own opinion about the game. Thus, create an
individual identity within the game in addition
to building a positive relationship with their
peers through communication.
Game Sense creates an environment for
students to value teamwork and playing
cooperative.
Game Sense and the
PDHPE RATIONALE (2)
2. Promotes physical activity
Game Sense approach focuses on student
centered abilities rather than what they cant do.
Therefore, students are provided with a range of
activities which encourages physical activity as
they are differentiable to their abilities.
Students enjoy games rather than drills and
practise, Game Sense focuses on playing the
game; thus, all students become actively engaged
Game Sense and the
PDHPE RATIONALE(3)
3. Emphasises informed decision making
leading to effective and responsible action
Game Sense focuses on how a game works:
tactics, decision making and strategies. Students
are given the opportunity to utilise their critical
thinking skills to decipher what works and what
doesnt work in order to win. In addition while
making these decisions, students are also building
their fundamental motor skills in an informal
manner (not teacher focused).
Game Sense And Links To The
Syllabus
Game Sense Links To Syllabus Outcomes
Games and Sports (Subject Matter)
1. Promotes Decision Making
2. Encourages Interaction
3. Focuses on Problem Solving
Game Sense incorporates the following:
living and learning in a safe secure environment
the adoption of an active lifestyle
fundamental movement patterns and coordinated actions of the body
skills that enable action for better health and movement outcomes
(Board of Studies, 2007)
References
Board of Studies. (2006). Personal
Development, Health and Physical
Education K- 6. Retrieved from:
[Link]
portal/go/personal-development- health-
and-physical-education-pdhpe
Retrived October 3, 2017, from
[Link]
rces-and-pd/schools/playing-for-life-
resources/game-sense-approach
Light, R. (2004). Coaches experiences of
Game Sense: Opportunities and
Challenges.
Towns, J. (2002). About Game Sense.
University of Wollongong. Retrieved from
[Link]
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