Teaching English through actions, Total Physical Response ( TPR )
Total Physical Response (TPR) is the name given to a learning strategy .The basic technique of TPR is simple. Learners act out commands given by the teacher or their fellow pupils (at a later stage). These commands, or series of commands, are simple at the beginning (stand up, sit down) ) , but after some time they may become more complex (I want the boys to stand in a circle please).
Firstly , TPR method creates positive thinking which facilitates the student to involve in the learning process, so it can develop not only motivation but also the aim of students in learning.
Besides that, this method is very easy and the usage of the language contains of action games ,that’s why it can help student to learn fast and effectively .
Secondly , students can memorize the vocabulary by looking at the action even though the vocabulary is not translated .
Advantages of TPR
- It is a lot of fun and learners enjoy it .It lifts the pace and the mood.
- It is very memorable . It does assist the students to recognize phrases or words .
- It is good for all the learners who are active in the class .
- It can be used for both large and small classes .
- It works well with the mixed-ability classes. The physical action get across the meaning effectively so that all learners are able to comprehend and apply the target language .
- It is no need to have a lot of preparation or materials using TPR .
- It is very effective with teenagers and young learners.
Disadvantages of TPR
- Students who are not used to such things might find it embarrassing.
- It is only suitable for beginner levels .
- It is not flexibly used to teach everything and if used a lot it would come repetitive.This method is a fun way of changing the dynamics and pace of a lesson.
The application of TPR in the class
TPR can be used to teach and practice so many things as :
· Vocabulary connected with actions (smile , chop , headache , wriggle ) .
· Grammatical items including tenses past/present /future /continuous (every morning I clean my teeth , I make my bed ,I eat breakfast ) .
· Classroom language ( open your books )
· Imperative /instructions ( stand up , close your eyes , etc )
Procedure/Demonstration Listening
· Students listen and respond to commands by following behaviour modeled by the teacher.
1. Teacher commands and models with :
a. Two or three students.
b. Entire group.
c. Two or three other students.
2.Without teacher modeling .
a. Group responds to commands .
b. Two or three students respond .
c. Individual respond .
Variations
- · Teacher recombines old and new commands and model with the group .
- · Group responds to combines commands with and without teacher modeling .
Miscellaneous
- · If there is any hesitation/confusion by the students the teacher returns to modelling
- · Keep changing the order of commands .
- · After ten classes , students will reverse roles with the teacher .
I love TPR. I use it for class breaks all the time in my classes, and I taught with TPR guru Wally Cirafesi who showed us how to use TPR principles for other areas of language learning. Thanks Juleda!