TPR+Approach

Total Physical Response Approach

Total Physical Response (TPR) developed by James Asher (1982) //Learning another language through actions: The complete teachers’ guidebook.// The method was designed primarily for students in the early stages of language acquisition. Since commands can be made comprehensible to students with very limited language, Asher used commands as the basis for TPR. The teacher or a more proficient student gives a command, demonstrates the command, and then students respond physically to the command. Because students are actively involved and not expected to repeat the command, anxiety is low, and student focus is on comprehension rather than production. Hence, they demonstrate comprehension before their speaking skills emerge. TPR is a well-known beginning ESL method, but TPR-based activities can be adapted and incorporated into mainstream or multi-level classes, particularly in areas where visible directions can be given. It is very helpful to ESL students when mainstream teachers incorporate TPR into their instruction. This is particularly easy to do in physical education, art, and other classes where directions are commonly used for visual acts. Even in science and math students can gain a great deal of comprehensible input through the use of TPR. For example, any science experiment can be an opportunity to involve beginners through TPR. TPR also provides a base for literacy development in the second language as students learn to read the commands they followed.

http://www.dupage.k12.il.us/doc/3-TOTAL%20PHYSICAL%20RESPONSE.doc