GAME SENSE

RATIONALE
SADAF HASSANZAI
WHAT IS GAME SENSE?

• Game sense is a teaching approach whereby teachers place emphasis and exaggerate
certain aspects of games to develop students' skills and understanding alongside
performance (Mandigo et al.,2007).
• The modifications: can be :
• To highlight an aspect of a game e.g.
• To encourage students to think and develop skills and understanding of different tactics.
• Student-centred rather than teacher centred learning. ( Breed & Spittle, 2007).
EXAMPLES OF GAME SENSE APPROACH

• Exaggeration of size - area size of game, number of equipment used

• Emphasis placed on skill – kicking, striking, coordination
• Teacher raises questions for students to solve problems individually
• Game changes rules as time proceeds – introduce time limits, restraints,use only over-
arm.
RATIONALE – STRENGTHS
WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR KIDS?

• Students receive the opportunity to build skills slowly

• e.g. To teach a game like Oztag – start with simple warm up like bull rush, and proceed on to ball
skills to develop the skills required for Oztag.

• Keeps students engaged

• The game sense approach allows students to complete different activities rather than the one
simple game.

• Provides variety for students of differing skill levels

• Students will be able to build their skills through different activities depending on their individual
skill levels, developing fundamental movement skills in games and sports (NESA,2018).
 RATIONALE - STRENGTHS

• This approach is student-centred

• Student-centred learning is arguably more beneficial for students in their overall learning,
especially within PDHPE.

• Modified game rules are beneficial for teacher

• This can allow for more time to develop necessary skills depending on student skill levels and
promotes inclusion.

• The Games Sense approach allows students to develop skills and stimulates thoughts
about the game – teachers also receive feedback from students.

Through the Game Sense approach

your children receive the best education
possible!
 REFERENCES

Breed, R., & Spittle, M. (2011). Developing game sense through tactical learning.
Cambridge:Cambridge University Press.
Mandigo, J., Butler, J., & Hopper, T. (2007). What is Teaching Games for Understanding? A Canadian
perspective. Physical & Health Education Journal, 73(2), 14-20.
Personal Development,Health and Physical Education k-6 Syllabus. (2018). NESA. Retrieved 14 May
2018, from http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/f63e7d9d-fa2a-471b-bf3c-
d5b362fddb00/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=.