An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical education

This paper reports on research framed as a strengths-based appreciative inquiry (AI) into the use of a game sense (GS) approach for sport and games teaching in physical education (PE). The aim of this research was to find the elements which sustain teachers in the use of a GS approach. This is particularly pertinent given strong advocacy for GS as a preferred sport pedagogy but slow acceptance in Australian PE. Through the story of experience that emerged the common elements giving ‘life’ to the PE teachers' pedagogical practice, and thus sustaining the use of GS teaching, is illuminated. AI has not been previously used to case study games and sport teaching in schools generally and a GS approach specifically. Further research examining the long-term and accumulated benefits of AI for qualitative PE pedagogical is proposed, as is further investigation of teachers' experience with a GS approach from primary to secondary PE teaching.