PDHPETHE GAME SENSE

APPROACHTeaching Games For

Understanding (TGFU)

What is the Game Sense Approach?

• The game sense approach is also known as ‘TGFU’ Teaching Game for Understanding is a student-centred approach which focuses on the play aspect of sport.

• This approach concentrates on developing the students’ skills and understanding while being actively engaged in play.

How does it work?• The Game Sense approach focuses on

how the students learn rather than how the coaches coach.

• Focuses on using minor skills to gradually build students’ competencies in a game.

• In Game Sense Approach skill development happens during the game not prior to the game.

• With firsthand experience, students learn to appreciate the values and importance of certain skills and rules that will allow them to become proficient players in a certain game.

WHY and HOW is this approach effective?

• The Game Sense Approach promotes inclusive learning, and establishes a comfortable environment for play. Everybody is engaged in the game regardless of their level of expertise.

HOW? • The games are constantly renewed and modified to suit

varied skills, and to keep the game interesting and, students motivated and engaged. This is done through introducing new techniques and skills so the game does not become repetitive.

Why do we use the Game Sense Approach in 5P?

• In 5P, we have adopted an inclusive, and interactive learning approach.

• Using the Game Sense Approach allows a positive, fun and engaging environment, and does not single a child. No student is used as example of what not to do, but rather models are provided in such cases to help students perform better.

• Through modifying games everybody is included. For example in 5P’s softball team the experienced players can hit the ball with a bat, while the less experienced players can throw the ball, or hit it off a tee. Everyone is engaged and challenged without feeling bored, left out or less confident.

• Everybody feels good and comfortable = everybody is confident.

How does the Game Sense Approach help as a teaching approach?

• The Game Sense approach encourages students to become authentic learners.

• It is a student-centred approach that focuses on the students learning.

• Encourages students to become thinkers, and develops their problem-solving.

• Allows the students to make decisions about the game and become thinkers. As they play the students come up with strategies that help them play the game more effectively.

• Develops the students interacting skills.

References

Light, R. (2006). Game sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical

Education New Zealand, 39(1), 8-19,3.

Mandigo, J., Butler, J., & Hopper, T. (2007). What is teaching games for understanding? A Canadian perspective. Physical & Health Education Journal, 73(2), 14-20.