Introduction: Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) originated over twenty years ago in the United Kingdom. Recently, TGfU has gained much attention as an approach to teaching through games instead of about games in physical education. Most Taiwan students in elementary schools like to play tchoukball and other ball games in general. Therefore, it is important to adopt this teaching method to motivate students to acquire related knowledge, skill and other aspects of learning. Methods This study used a collaborative action research approach to examine the learning effects of TGfU on tchoukball towards cognitive and game performance of fifth graders. In order to understand the students` and teachers` perspectives on TGfU, a mixed methodology was used. The participants were 27 fifth graders and an experienced PE teacher. Ten lessons of tchoukball instruction were conducted with 14 boys and 13 girls in an elementary school in Kaohsiung County. Pre-test and post-tests were administrated using a cognitive test and Games Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). The quantitative data were analysed by pair-samples t test and independent t test. The qualitative data were collected through the teacher`s teaching diary, observation of teaching, reflections of students, and interviews of teachers and students. The data were analysed by using content analysis and triangulation. Results The results were as follows: (1) Students made significant progress on cognitive learning after TGfU teaching on tchoukball,, but there was no significant difference between boys and girls on cognitive learning. (2) Students showed progress on games performance, but it was not significantly different between boys and girls. (3) Students showed a positive attitude about the lesson content of TGfU on tchoukball teaching. They improved in games knowledge and performance. They enjoyed the fun of playing games and learned the game strategies well. (4) The participant teacher realized that TGfU teaching on tchoukball could boost students` learning motivation and interests. In conclusion, the TGfU teaching approach facilitated the comprehension of game strategies and knowledge, development of sport skills and team morale. Besides, the participant teachers` development of physical education professional knowledge was greatly enhanced. The findings of this study could be used as a base of reference for both research and practical endeavour.
© Copyright 2008 2008 International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport: Proceedings, Vol. III. Published by People´s Sports Publishing House. All rights reserved.