1. Background
Total
physical response (TPR) is a language-teaching
method developed
by James Asher, a professor emeritus of psychology
at San José State
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 and vice-versa.
2. 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. In total physical response,
students are not forced to speak. Instead, teachers wait until students acquire
enough language through listening that they start to speak spontaneously. At
the beginning stages of instruction students can respond to the instructor in
their native language.
While
the majority of class time in total physical response is spent on listening
comprehension, the ultimate goal of the method is to develop oral fluency.
Asher sees developing listening comprehension skills as the most efficient way
of developing spoken language skills.
Lessons
in TPR are organized around grammar, and in particular around the verb.
Instructors issue commands based on the verbs and vocabulary to be learned in
that lesson. However, the primary focus in lessons is on meaning, which distinguishes TPR
from other grammar-based methods such as grammar-translation.
3. Material
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, and realia.
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