Total physical response (TPR)

Definition

Total physical response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by James Asher, a professor emeritus of  psychology at San Jose University. It is based on the coordination of language and physical movement. In TPR, instructors give commands to students in the target language, and students respond with whole-body actions.

Background

James Asher developed the total physical response method as a result of his observation of the language development of young children. Asher saw that most of the interactions that young children experience with parents or other adults combine both verbal and physical aspects.

Principles

Total physical response is an example of the comprehension approach to language teaching. Methods in the comprehension approach emphasize the importance of listening on language development, and do not require spoken output in the early stages of learning.

Teaching materials

Total physical response lessons typically use a wide variety of realia, posters, and props. Teaching materials are not compulsory, and for the very first lessons they may not be used. As students progress in ability the teacher may begin to use objects found in the classroom such as furniture or books, and later may use word charts, pictures.

TPR can be used to teach and practice many things.

·         Vocabulary connected with actions (smile, chop, headache, wriggle)

·         Tenses past/present/future and continuous aspects (Every morning I clean my teeth, I make my bed, I eat breakfast)

·         Classroom language (Open your books)

·         Imperatives/Instructions (Stand up, close you eyes)

·         Story-telling

 

It can be adapted for all kinds of teaching situations, you just need to use your imagination!

Are there any disadvantages with using TPR?

• Students who are not used to such things might find it embarrassing.
  This can be the case initially but I have found that if the teacher is prepared to perform the actions, the students feel happier about copying.
• It is only really suitable for beginner levels.
• You can't teach everything with it and if used a lot it would become repetitive.

Are there any advantage with using TPR?

 

• It is a lot of fun, students enjoy it.
• It is very memorable.
• It really helps students to remember phrases or words.
• It is good for kinaesthetic learners who need to be active in the class.
• It can be used in large or small.
• It works well with mixed-ability.
• It doesn't require a lot of preparation.
• It is very effective with teenagers and young learners.
• It involves both left and right-brained learning.