Total physical response

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Total physical response

• A presentation by Amon Head

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Total Physical Response The Idea

• Total Physical Response is a language learning
  method based on the coordination of speech and
  action. This method of learning was developed by
  James Asher, a professor of psychology at San
  Jose State University, California.
• TPR(Total Physical Response) is linked to the
  trace of theory of memory, which holds that the
  more often or intensively a memory connection is
  traced, the stronger the memory will be.

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The Approach To Total Physical Response

• According to Asher, the language learning
  theories are similar to those of other behavioral
  psychologists. The principals that help elaborate
  his idea are
• Second language learning is parallel to first
  language learning and should reflect the same
  naturalistic processes.
• Listening should develop before speaking.
• Once listening comprehension has been developed,
  speech develops naturally and effortlessly out of
  it.
• Adults should use right-brain motor activities,
  while the left hemisphere watches and learns.

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Practiced Tried

• Total Physical Response has been practiced and
  tried in hundreds of languages around the world
  and through trial and error it has been noted
  that more understanding knowledge of this
  learning method falls second in assisting second
  language learners comprehension skills.

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The Base of Total Physical Response

• TPR is based on the idea that the human brain has
  a biological program used to acquire any natural
  language on earth.
• Evidence of this falls in the form sign language
  for the deaf.
• Evidence of this idea also comes in the form of
  infants internalizing their first language.

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The Secret of Learning

• There is a secret to this way of learning in many
  age groups but one that is more acknowledged is
  that of an infant learning their first words. The
  unique conversation between a parent and infant
  would be a prime example.
• When a parent says Look at daddy, and the baby
  turns to the father and the father then responds,
  this becomes a Language-Body Conversation.
  Although the child is not yet speaking they are
  internalizing the patterns and sounds of the
  target language.

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A Video

• A to Z Total Physical Resonse

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Advantages

• It is fun and easy. Students will enjoy getting
  up out of their chairs and moving around.
• Simple TPR activities do not require a great deal
  of preparation on the part of the teacher.
  However, some other more complex applications
  might.
• "TPR is aptitude-free." according to Asher. It is
  inclusive working well with a mixed ability
  class.
• It is good for kinesthetic learners who need to
  be active in the class.
• It is a good tool for building vocabulary.
• It is memorable. Actions help strengthen the
  connections in the brain.
• Class size need not be a problem.

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Disadvantages

• While it can be used at higher levels TPR is most
  useful for beginners. It is also at the higher
  levels where preparation becomes an issue for the
  teacher.
• Students are not generally given the opportunity
  to express their own thoughts in a creative way.
• It is easy to overuse TPR. "Any novelty, if
  carried on too long, will trigger adaptation."
  Asher writes, "No matter how exciting and
  productive the innovation, people will tire of
  it."
• The teacher may find that it is limited in terms
  of language scope. Certain target languages may
  not be suited to this method.
• It can be a challenge for shy students.

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Once students actually understand, then what?

• The first objective in any excellent language
  program is enabling students to be comfortable
  and confident with the sounds, the grammatical
  patterns, and semantics of the new language. That
  can be accomplished with students of all ages
  including adults using concrete nouns,
  adjectives, verbs, prepositions, and adverbs.

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IN CONCLUSION BENEFITS OF TPR

• Instant understanding of the target language,
  regardless of academic aptitude
• High Speed Long-term retention
• Stress-free

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References and Video Documents

• Total Physical Response Video Courtesy of
  Google.com
• www.tpr-world.com One of the most comprehensive
  web-sites related to Total Physical Response.
• www.tprsource.com A Great Resource For ESL
  Teachers.

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• The end.