Total physical response (TPR) as a language methods
written by: Krystof-Sandor Harfst
Table of Content
The Total Physical Response (TPR) method is a language teaching method developed by James Asher, a psychology professor at San José State University. TPR is based on the idea that physical actions can enhance the acquisition and retention of a new language. This method is particularly effective for language learners of all ages and has been used to teach a wide range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
How Does TPR Work?
TPR works by using physical actions and gestures to help language learners associate new words and phrases with their meanings. The teacher gives commands in the target language, and the students respond by physically performing the actions described in the commands. For example, if the teacher says "Stand up," the students would stand up.
TPR is a holistic approach to language learning that engages the whole body and all the senses. This holistic approach helps language learners to internalize new vocabulary and grammar structures more easily and retain them for longer periods of time.
The method can be divided into 5 phases
- The teacher starts with instructions (imperative) that are adapted to the vocabulary of the students. The students listen and observe how the teacher formulates and carries out these instructions several times.
- The teacher gives instructions, executes them, and has the students imitate the movements.
- The teacher repeats the instruction, but now it is performed exclusively by the students.
- The teacher gives an instruction.
- The teacher gives an instruction that the students repeat in chorus while performing it simultaneously. One student takes the role of teacher and gives instructions.
Advantages of TPR
- TPR is a natural way of learning a language. The use of physical actions and gestures helps to bridge the gap between the new language and the learner's first language.
- TPR is an effective way to teach vocabulary and grammar structures. By physically performing actions, language learners are able to internalize new vocabulary and grammar structures more easily and retain them for longer periods of time.
- TPR is a fun and engaging way to learn a language. The physical actions and gestures make the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable, which can help to reduce anxiety and increase motivation.
- TPR is suitable for all ages and levels. This method can be adapted to suit the needs of different learners, from children to adults, and from beginners to advanced learners.
Total Physical Response Examples
- "Stand up" - Students stand up
- "Sit down" - Students sit down
- "Open the door" - Students pretend to open a door
- "Close the book" - Students pretend to close a book
- "Point to the pencil" - Students point to a pencil
- "Walk to the board" - Students walk to a board
- "Draw a circle" - Students draw a circle
- "Clap your hands" - Students clap their hands
How can I use Total physical response (TPR) as a language methods for myself?
There are a few ways you can use Total Physical Response (TPR) as a language learning method for yourself:
- Use TPR to learn basic vocabulary: Start by learning basic vocabulary, such as colors, numbers, and common actions, using physical gestures. For example, you can use gestures to represent the word "red" (e.g. by holding up a red object or pointing to a red picture), or the word "five" (e.g. by holding up five fingers).
- Practice with native speakers: Look for opportunities to practice TPR with native speakers of the language you are learning. They can give you commands and correct you if you make mistakes.
- Use TPR to practice grammar: TPR can also be used to practice grammar structures, such as verb conjugations or word order. For example, you can use physical gestures to indicate the subject, verb, and object in a sentence, or to indicate the tense of a verb.
- Incorporate TPR into your daily routine: Try to incorporate TPR into your daily routine by giving yourself commands in the target language and physically performing the actions described in the commands. For example, you can give yourself commands like "open the window" or "turn off the lights" as you go about your daily tasks.
- Create flashcards with pictures and words: Create flashcards with pictures and words of the vocabulary you want to learn, and use TPR gestures while reviewing the cards.
- Watch videos and repeat the gestures: Watch videos of people giving commands in the target language and repeat the gestures they make, this will help you to internalize the new vocabulary and grammar structures more easily.
- Practice TPR with a language partner or teacher: Find a language partner or teacher who is familiar with TPR and practice the method with them. They can give you feedback and help you to improve your use of physical gestures.
- Use TPR to practice listening comprehension: TPR can also be used to practice listening comprehension by giving commands and having the learner respond. This will help the learner to understand and respond to spoken language in real-life situations.
- Use TPR in role-playing activities: Incorporate TPR into role-playing activities to practice using the target language in realistic situations. For example, you can act out a conversation at a restaurant or a shopping scenario.
- Create a TPR action library: Create a library of actions and gestures that correspond to different words and phrases in the target language. This will make it easier for you to remember and use new vocabulary.
- Use TPR to teach children: TPR is especially effective for teaching languages to children. Children tend to learn through play, and TPR provides a fun and interactive way for them to learn a new language.
- Incorporate TPR into grammar lessons: TPR can be used to make grammar lessons more interactive and engaging. For example, you can use physical gestures to represent different verb tenses or word order.
- Use TPR to practice idiomatic expressions: Idiomatic expressions can be difficult to learn and understand, but TPR can make it easier. For example, you can use physical gestures to represent the meaning of idiomatic expressions such as "to be in a good mood" or "to be in a bad mood."
- Use TPR to learn phrasal verbs: Phrasal verbs can be challenging to master, but using TPR can make them easier to remember. For example, you can use physical gestures to represent the meaning of phrasal verbs such as "to put away" or "to pick up."
- Use TPR to practice conversation skills: TPR can be used to practice conversation skills in a fun and engaging way. For example, you can have a conversation with a partner and use physical gestures to represent the words and phrases you are using.
- Use TPR to practice reading comprehension: TPR can also be used to practice reading comprehension. For example, you can read a short passage in the target language and use physical gestures to represent the meaning of the words and phrases.
- Use TPR to learn collocations: Collocations are words that often go together, such as "make a mistake" or "have a conversation." TPR can make it easier to remember collocations by using physical gestures to represent the words.
- Use TPR to practice pronunciation: TPR can also be used to practice pronunciation by using physical gestures to represent the mouth and tongue movements needed to say certain sounds.
TPR is a versatile method that can be used to enhance your language learning experience in many ways. Remember that practice, consistency and patience are key for any language learning journey. As you continue to use TPR, you'll find new ways to make the method work for you and your learning style.
Conclusion
The Total Physical Response (TPR) method is a highly effective and engaging way to teach languages. It is suitable for all ages and levels and can be adapted to suit the needs of different learners. By using physical actions and gestures, language learners are able to internalize new vocabulary and grammar structures more easily and retain them for longer periods of time.
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