Game Sense &
Teaching Games for
Understanding
A new initiative within the PDHPE
learning area which focuses on using
games as the focus of the lesson.
What is Game Sense and Teaching Games for
Understanding?
Game sense is a new approach to the teaching of the Physical
Education key learning area. Game sense gets students to utilise a
tactical mindset within game play, developing skill in action rather
than developing techniques through practice (O’Leary, 2016). Through
focusing on game play, students are developing a greater
understanding of the strategies of the game and how it is played.
Overall, a game sense approach within Physical Education aims to
heighten the students decision making skills within gameplay whilst
also developing skills within a fun and inclusive context of playing.
Game Sense Model
The model insinuates that students
should firstly have a sound
understanding of the game and its
goal. As students develop
throughout the model they should
gradually build an understanding of
the games rules and tactics. Students
will begin to develop the movement
principles of the game, executing
skills. Students are then able to
successfully demonstrate the game
flow (Stolz & Pill, 2014).
Bunker & Thorpe (1982).
Fundamental Movements Skills
Fundamental movement skills within a game sense approach to Physical Education
works to build the basics of students undemanding of sports. Students are able to
develop their fundamental movements skills, such as running, jumping and kicking,
within a game sense approach to sports. Through allowing students to develop their
understanding of games, they will also develop the physical skills to undertake the
tactics that they are learning. Teaching fundamental movement skills within game
sense allows students to understand the context in which to utilise these skills, rather
than learning an isolated ability.
Game Sense in 4E
A games sense approach to Physical Education
without our classroom has allowed for
students to greater develop their overall sporting
skills. Through utilising the fundamental motor skills
which we have already developed, students are
putting their knowledge into action. Through learning
games through gameplay, students are developing a
tactical and strategic approach to the skills needed for
sporting success. Our class 4E has demonstrated
excellent participation throughout the implementation
of game sense without of Physical Education unit,
giving all new games their best effort.
Game Sense and Our Strengths
A game sense approach to physical education has many
strengths which have resulting in a positive development of
our students.
• Focus on how students learns
• Empowers students to think independently in gameplay
• Encourage students to develop decision making skills and
game tactics
• Games motivate and include students leading to a more
enjoyable and beneficial learning experience
References
• Bunker D., & Thorpe, R. (1982) A model for the teaching of
games in the secondary schools. The Bulletin of Physical
Education. 18(1).
• O’Leary, N. (2016). Learning informally to use the ‘full version’
of teaching games for understanding. European Physical
Education Review. 22(1). Doi:10.1177/1356336X15585177.
• Stolz, S., & Pill, S. (2014). Teaching games and sport for
understanding Exploring and reconsid- ering its relevance in
physical education. European Physical Education Review,
20(1), 36-71. doi: 10.1177/1356336X13496001
