TPR (Total Physical Response) is a language teaching method that uses physical movement and actions in response to verbal commands. It was developed in the 1960s to address high dropout rates in second language classes by making learning more enjoyable and reducing stress. TPR teaches understanding of a language before speaking through associating words and sentences with actions. While effective for beginners, TPR works best when combined with other methods.
2. "Babies don't learn by memorizing lists;
why should children or adults?"
James J. Asher
an emeritus professor of psychology at San Jos辿 State
University in California
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikZY6XpB214
3. a language teaching method built around the
coordination of speech and action
a method of teaching a language using
physical movement to react to verbal input
4. Originated in late 1960s, became popular in
1970s-80s.
Why?
High dropout rates in second language classes.
but almost no problems learning the first
language.
5. Bio-program
Children understand complex utterances they
cannot spontaneously produce
Brain lateralization
Directed to right brain hemisphere
Reduction of stress
The lower the stress, the better the learning
6. Understanding of TL before ability to speak
Meaning of TL words conveyed through actions
Spoken language preferred over written
language
Understanding should evolve through the
movement of the students body
No forcing to speak
7. To teach oral proficiency (at a beginning level),
and the ultimate aim is to teach basic speaking
skills
To produce learners who are capable of free
communication, which is understandable to a
native speaker
all goals are attainable through the use of
action-based drills in the imperative form
8. Sentence-based
Lexical criterion is primary
Initial attention to meaning rather than
to the form
9. Fixed number of items (usually no
more than 30)
Predominantly imperative drills
Role playing can also be used
Conversational dialogues begin after at
least 100 hours of instruction.
10. Listener & performer
Recognize and respond to novel
combinations of previously taught items
Produce novel combinations
Encouraged to speak not until they feel
ready
11. Active and direct role
Select supporting materials, and model
the lesson
Allow speaking abilities to develop in
natural pace
Parent-like feedback
12. Generally no basic text
Initially: teachers voice, actions and
gestures, later classroom objects and/or
supporting materials
TPR student kits (focus on specific situation)
13. Put the table in front of the sink.
Put the bread on the table.
14. Review
Teacher repeats items from previous time
New commands
Teacher gives new commands, repeat and
vary them
Role reversal
Student command their teacher and
classmates
Reading and writing
Teacher writes new items on the blackboard
15. TPR only works for children
TPR is limited to imperative
TPR is limited to beginning students
16. TPR is fun and easy.
TPR is inclusive.
Good tool for building vocabulary for
long-term retention.
Does not require long preparations.
Effective for both adult and young
learners.
17. Challenge for shy students.
No opportunity to talk in a creative manner.
Can become too repetitive and boring.
Preparation becomes an issue at higher
levels.
18. TPR is a language teaching method built
around the coordination of speech and
action
TPR proved to be useful in second language
acquisition
BUT! In order to be successful TPR should
be used in association with other methods
and techniques.