Total Physical Response
Total Physical Response, in short TPR is a method of learning a foreign language through using physical movement to react to verbal input, which is also named “The Comprehension Approach” because it is mostly about listening comprehension. Dr. James J Asher created this method based on the way children learn their mother tongue. Before any child starts speaking, parents use different types of physical activities to communicate with the child. For instance, instead of saying “bye-bye”, they show a particular hand movement that children adopt later on. The same method mirrors in the TPR classroom.
When a baby is in the womb of the mother, it can listen to everything. After birth, for a few months, the baby cannot say anything rather the baby only listens and try to imitate the speaker. Thus, a baby learns the first language. Dr. Asher modeled the TPR method in a similar manner for the foreign language learners who have zero exposure to the target language. TPR method is fun and less stressful. It is proven in Krashen’s theory that in the case of second language learning, low anxiety means more success in learning. In this method, students enjoy the class. They learn the language not word by word, rather as a chunk that makes them remember the phrases or words for a long time. In this method students learn the language easily through listening, saying, and imitating the instructor. Here grammar is taught inductively and meaning is more important than form. This method is almost similar to the Direct Method.
The biggest advantage of TPR is it can be used in both small and large classrooms. It works successfully for both primary and advanced level students in a mixed ability class, but most effective for young learners. This method can be also used in the class of special children like deaf and mute. This method is a great tool for learning vocabulary immediately and students can relate the meaning with the real context. As the classroom is conducted in a group, students become skilled in team works. In this method, the teacher does not need to take preparation for the class. So, TPR has the advantage for both teacher and student. However, most of the time, this method fails for shy and adult students. It is only suitable for some particular courses of beginner level.
The teacher has a central role in the TPR method. The instructor plays an active and direct role in the classroom. In this method, only the teacher decides what to teach. In the case of giving feedback, the teacher follows the example of parents. They do not force to correct the students immediately. On the other hand, students play the role of the listener and performer. They play the primary role. They imitate the instructor individually and collectively.
We can use the TPR method vastly in the real life context. In the gym or Yoga center, TPR is the best method to go with. We can also use this method in the dance classes. In schools, TPR can be used in the Drill or Physical Education classes. For the training of the Army, we can use this method. This method is essential for children who have zero exposure to the language. So, it will work well in the kindergartens. TPR can also be used for learning driving.
So, Total Physical Response is a method with its huge merits and a few demerits. It is a great method for new learners to learn a foreign language in a natural way. However, we can use the best of this method by collaborating with other methods.
