Professional Development
Total Physical Response
Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching approach that was developed by James Asher in the 1970s. TPR is based on the idea that language learning is most effective when it involves a combination of language and physical movement. The process mimics the way that infants learn their first language, and it reduces student inhibitions and lowers stress.
In TPR, learners respond to commands given by the teacher, such as “stand up,” “walk to the door,” “sit down,” and so on. The teacher gives the commands in the target language (in this case, English), and the learners respond with physical actions. As the learners become more proficient in understanding and carrying out the commands, the teacher can introduce more complex language structures and vocabulary.
TPR emphasizes the use of language in context, and the physical actions help to reinforce the meaning of the language. By engaging both the mind and the body, TPR provides a multisensory learning experience that can be engaging and memorable for learners. It can also be particularly effective for learners who are visual or kinesthetic learners.
Here are some steps you can take to use Total Physical Response (TPR) in a language classroom:
- Introduce commands: Begin by introducing simple commands in English that are relevant to your learners’ interests and abilities, such as “stand up,” “sit down,” “jump,” “clap your hands,” “touch your nose,” and so on.
- Demonstrate the actions: Model the actions associated with each command, so that your learners understand what they are expected to do. Make sure you demonstrate the actions clearly and use gestures to help convey the meaning.
- Practice the commands: Ask your learners to repeat the commands and perform the associated actions. Start with simple commands and gradually increase the complexity as your learners become more comfortable with the language and the physical movements.
- Incorporate new vocabulary: As your learners become more proficient in following the commands, you can introduce new vocabulary by associating it with the physical actions. For example, you can introduce vocabulary related to food by asking your learners to “eat” or “drink” certain imaginary items, or introduce vocabulary related to emotions by asking them to “smile” or “frown.”
- Use TPR to reinforce grammar: You can also use TPR to reinforce grammar structures, such as the imperative form. For example, you can ask your learners to “give me the book” or “open the window,” and reinforce the grammar structure by having them physically carry out the action.
- Make it fun: TPR can be a fun and engaging way to learn a language, so make sure to keep it lighthearted and enjoyable. Use props and music to make the activities more interactive and memorable for your learners.
Ultimately, this communicative language teaching approach aims to help learners develop their listening and comprehension skills, as well as their ability to use the language in real-life situations.