PDHPE

RATIONALE
The importance of game sense in
primary school education

Miss Rebecca Nguyen 3B
WHAT IS GAME SENSE?
Is also known as Teaching Games for Understanding
(TGfU).
According to Pill, Game Sense has been described as
playing with purpose (2011).
In other words, Game Sense emphasises on a learner-
centred approach where the needs and abilities of the
participants first over the importance of the game (S.
Truong, personal communication, August 5, 2014)
It places learning within the context of modified games and
allows questioning instead of direct instruction (S. Truong,
personal communication, August 5, 2014)
RESEARCH ON GAME SENSE
The findings of previous research portray that most PE teachers
strongly advocate Game Sense because it increases student
engagement, stimulates creativity, and provides a fair sports
experience (Wang & Ha, 2013).
On the other hand, a number of studies have shown that many
teachers are unwilling to implement it in their classes due to the
challenges related to understanding and implementing Game
Sense (Wang & Ha, 2013).
Additionally, there are few teachers who do not support Game
Sense since it may oppose on their values, beliefs and attitudes
towards learning and teaching (Wang & Ha, 2013).
BENEFITS OF A GAME SENSE
APPROACH
It increases novice learners motivation.
Game Sense provides a context to make the learning of skills
and strategies more meaningful.
It is based on inclusion that means all children have a sense
of belonging in practical lessons and children are allowed to
ask for suggestions and rules.
(S. Truong, personal communication, August 5, 2014)
BUT THERES MORE TO GAME
SENSE
Teaching sport and sport related games from a Game Sense
perspective requires awareness that sport skill learning extends
beyond the physical and movement aspects of physical education
to include cognitive conceptual awareness so that players grow
into effective decision makers (Pill, 2011).
Wang and Ha believes that Game Sense is designed to focus
students attention on specific tactical aspects of the game and
possible solutions (Wang & Ha, 2013).
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Game Sense is an important aspect in Physical Education so it is
crucial that children learn about the fundamentals of Game Sense
in order to experience game appreciation.
Since there are a few cases where Game Sense is not part of
Physical Education, it is important that teachers, parents and the
community support childrens learning by joining together and
bring Game Sense back in primary schools classes.
REFERENCES
Pill, S. (2011). Teacher engagement with teaching games for
understanding- game sense in physical education. Journal of
Physical Education and Sport, 11(2), 115-123. doi:
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/docview/1017884
542/fulltextPDF?accountid=36155

Wang, L & Ha, A. S. (2012). Factors influencing pre- service
teachers perception of teaching games for understanding: A
constructivist perspective. Sport, Education and Society, 17(2),
261-280. doi: 10.1080/13573322.2011. 607954