Total Physical
Response
(TPR)
"Babies don't learn by memorizing lists;
why should children or adults?"
James J. Asher
an emeritus professor of psychology at San José State
University in California
Plan
background
Approches
Theory of language
The bio-program Brain lateralization Reduction of stress
and Learning
Design
Learning Role of Role of
Objectives Syllabus Materials
activities learners teachers
Prosedures
TPR is…
a language teaching method built
around the coordination of speech
& action
a method of teaching a language
using physical movement (motor
skills) to react to verbal input
The Origins
Originated in late 1960s, became popular in 1970s-80s.
Developed by JAMES ASHER
Draws on several traditions:
developmental psychology,
learning theory,
humanistic pedagogy, and
language teaching procedures (Harold &Dorothy
Palmer)
Why?
High dropout rates in second language
classes.
… but almost no problems learning the
first language.
Approaches
Theory of language:
TPR reflects a grammar-based view of language.
Asher views the verb, and particularly the verb in the imperative form, as the
central linguistic motif around which language use and learning are orgonized
Theory of language learning:
Stimulus-response
Trace theory
Asher has elaborated an account of what he feels facilitates foreign language learning.
He draws on three hypotheses:
The specific in-born bio-program
Brain lateralization
Reduction of stress.
Learning fundamentals
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
Principles
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 student’s body
No forcing to speak
Design
Objectives
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.
Syllabus
Sentence-based.
Lexical criterion is primary.
Initial attention to meaning rather than
to the form.
Learning activities
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.
Roles of Learners
Listener & performer
Recognize and respond to novel
combinations of previously taught
items.
Produce novel combinations.
Encouraged to speak not until they
feel ready.
Roles of a Teacher
Active and direct role.
Select supporting materials, and
model the lesson.
Allow speaking abilities to develop in
natural pace.
Parent-like feedback.
Materials
Generally no basic textbook.
Initially: teacher’s voice, actions and
gestures.
Later: classroom objects and/or supporting
materials.
TPR student kits (focus on specific
situation)
TPR student kit
Put the table in front of the sink.
Put the bread on the table.
Learning process
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.
PROCEDURE
Myths about TPR
TPR only works for children.
TPR is limited to imperative.
TPR is limited to beginning students.
Advantages
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.
Disadvantages
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.
Conclusions
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.
