Improving Physical Education Learning Experience through Teaching Game for Understanding Approach: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2025.5.26Keywords:
physical education, student-centered learning, tgfu, pedagogical innovation, systematic reviewAbstract
Objectives. The objective of this study was to systematically review the research development of TGfU in physical education, identify its impacts on learning outcomes, examine the integration of TGfU with other pedagogical approaches, and explore challenges encountered during its implementation.
Materials and methods. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted thematic analysis. Research data were sourced from five databases: SCOPUS, ERIC, IEEE Xplore, Springer, and EBSCO. Additionally, 10 highly cited articles were included for an in-depth literature review. Keyword analysis was performed using VOSviewer to map thematic trends.
Results. The findings indicate that TGfU enhances students’ cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains by fostering motivation, decision-making, and game performance. The integration of TGfU with other models, such as the Sport Education Model (SEM) and the Activist Approach, has expanded its effectiveness and inclusivity. Despite these benefits, challenges in implementation, such as teacher preparedness, curriculum flexibility and institutional constraints, have been identified as barriers that must be addressed for optimal application.
Conclusions. TGfU has demonstrated a positive impact on the quality and effectiveness of physical education by promoting varied, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences. While the approach continues to evolve and integrate with other educational models, addressing practical challenges will be critical for sustaining its benefits and expanding its adoption across diverse educational contexts.
Downloads
References
Bamta, S., Misra, A., & Peter, V.F. (2023). Psychological Benefits of Physical Education. Journal Global Values, XIV(S.Issue). https://doi.org/10.31995/jgv.2023.v14is3.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31995/jgv.2023.v14iS3.009
Zhang, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Research on Effective Strategies of College Physical Education Interactive Teaching Based on Machine Learning. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1843514 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1843514
Jiang, R. (2021). Research on Innovative Practice Links of Physical Education Course Based on Computer Big Data. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1865(4). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1865/4/042133 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1865/4/042133
Chang, K.E., Zhang, J., Huang, Y.S., Liu, T.C., & Sung, Y.T. (2020). Applying augmented reality in physical education on motor skills learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 28(6). https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1636073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1636073
Perlman, D. (2012). The influence of the Sport Education Model on developing autonomous instruction. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2011.594430 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2011.594430
Standal, Ø.F., & Bratten, J.H. (2021). ‘Feeling better’: embodied self-knowledge as an aspect of movement capability. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1886268 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1886268
Sumarno, S., Imawati, V., & Ristiawan, B. (2022). Learning Innovation through Teaching Game for Understanding (TGfU) Model to Prepare Physical Education Learning Strategy Skills. Jurnal Pendidikan Jasmani Indonesia, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.21831/jpji.v18i2.54692 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/jpji.v18i2.54692
Papagiannopoulos, D., Digelidis, N., & Syrmpas, I. (2023). PE teachers’ perceptions of and experiences with using the TGFU model in teaching team games in elementary school. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(2). https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.02060 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.02060
Fariduddin, I.A. (2017). Pengaruh Pengguna Teknologi Informasi Terhadap Aktifitas Fisik Siswa (Studi Pada Siswa Kelas Vii SMP Negeri 1 Padangan). Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Dan Kesehatan, 4(3). https://core.ac.uk/outputs/230798330/?source=oai
Tan, C. W. K., Chow, J. Y., & Davids, K. (2012). “How does TGfU work?”: Examining the relationship between learning design in TGfU and a nonlinear pedagogy. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 17(4), 331–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2011.582486 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2011.582486
Light, R., & Fawns, R. (2003). Knowing the game: Integrating speech and action in games teaching through tgfu. Quest, 55(2), 161-176. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2003.10491797 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2003.10491797
Morales-Belando, M. T., Calderón, A., & Arias-Estero, J. L. (2018). Improvement in game performance and adherence after an aligned TGfU floorball unit in physical education. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 23(6), 657–671. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2018.1530747 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2018.1530747
Turner, A. P., & Martinek, T. J. (1999). An investigation into teaching games for understanding: effects on skill, knowledge, and game play. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 70(3), 286-296. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1999.10608047 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1999.10608047
Gil-Arias, A., Claver, F., Práxedes, A., Villar, F.D., & Harvey, S. (2020). Autonomy support, motivational climate, enjoyment and perceived competence in physical education: Impact of a hybrid teaching games for understanding/sport education unit. European Physical Education Review, 26(1), 36-53. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X18816997 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X18816997
Batez, M., Petrušič, T., Bogataj, Š., & Trajković, N. (2021). Effects of teaching program based on teaching games for understanding model on volleyball skills and enjoyment in secondary school students. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020606 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020606
Butler, J.I. (2006). Curriculum constructions of ability: Enhancing learning through Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) as a curriculum model. Sport, Education and Society, 11(3), 243-258. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573320600813408 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13573320600813408
Pan, Y.-H., Huang, C.-H., & Hsu, W.-T. (2023). A comparison of the learning effects between TGfU-SE and TGfU on learning motivation, sport enjoyment, responsibility, and game performance in physical education. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165064 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165064
Seldas, M., & García López, L. M. (2025). Benefits of hybridising the activist approach and teaching games for understanding to empower girls in physical education. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, 16(1), 97-113. https://doi.org/10.1080/25742981.2023.2265351 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/25742981.2023.2265351
Holt, N. L., Strean, W. B., & Bengoechea, E. G. (2002). Expanding the teaching games for understanding model: New avenues for future research and practice. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 21(2), 162-176. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.21.2.162 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.21.2.162
Nathan, S. (2016). Badminton instructional in Malaysian schools: a comparative analysis of TGfU and SDT pedagogical models. SpringerPlus, 5(1), 1215. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-2872-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-2872-3
Díaz-Cueto, M., Hernández-Álvarez, J.L., & Castejón, F.J. (2010). Teaching games for understanding to in-service physical education teachers: Rewards and barriers regarding the changing model of teaching sport. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 29(4), 378-398. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.29.4.378 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.29.4.378
Stolz, S., & Pill, S. (2014). Teaching games and sport for understanding: Exploring and reconsidering its relevance in physical education. European Physical Education Review, 20(1), 36-71. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X13496001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X13496001
Sosunovsky, V.S., & Radaeva, S.V. (2022). ORGANIZATION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN THE BLENDED LEARNING. Teoriya i Praktika Fizicheskoy Kultury, 2022(11), 69-71. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85139985146&partnerID=40&md5=2dbe410338fe57b67aeec2ef240c4894
Leo, F.M., López-Gajardo, M.A., Gómez-Holgado, J.M., Ponce-Bordón, J.C., & Pulido, J.J. (2020). Teaching-learning methodologies and its relation with students’ motivation and engagement in physical education lessons. Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte, 15(46), 495-506. https://doi.org/10.12800/CCD.V15I46.1600 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v15i46.1600
Light, R., & Fawns, R. (2003). Knowing the game: Integrating speech and action in games teaching through tgfu. Quest, 55(2), 161-176. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2003.10491797 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2003.10491797
Kermarrec, G., Regaieg, G., & Clayton, R. (2022). Mixed-methods approaches to learning strategies and self-regulation in Physical Education: a literature review. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 27(2), 172-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1999916 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1999916
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Muchamad Arif Al Ardha, Advendi Kristiyandaru, Heryanto Nur Muhammad, Rahmawati Al Adha Nikmah, Sauqi Sawa Bikalawan, Nanang Indiarsa, Hamdani Hamdani, Chung Bing Yang

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).

