Total Physical Response

Total Phsysical Response is a language teaching method built around the coordination of speech an action ; it attempts to teach language through physical acvity.

TPR reflects a grammar based view of language. Asher states that most of grammatical structure of the target language and hundreds of vocabulary items can be learned from the skillful use of the imperative by the instructor. Asher see a stimulus response view as providing the learning theory underlying language teaching pedagogy. TPR can also be linked to the trace theory of memory in physcology, which holds that the more often or the more intensively a memory connection is traced, the stronger the memory association will be and the more likely it will be recalled.
The general objectives of total physical response are to teach oral proficiency at beginning level. Comprehension is means to an end and the ultimate aim is to teach basic speaking skills. A TPR course aim to produce learners who are capable of an uninhibitation communication that is intellegible to a native speaker. Spesific instructional objectives are not elaborated for these will depend on particular needs of the learners. Whatever the goals are set, however must attainable throuhg the use of action based on drills in the imperative form.

Learner in total physical response have the primary roles of listener and performer. They listen attentively and respond physically to commands given by the teacher. Learner are also expected to recognize and respond to novel combination of their own.

The teacher plays an active and direct role in total physical response. Is the teacher who decides what to teach , who models and presents the new materials and who selecs supporting material for classroom use.

In giving feedback to learners, the teacher should follow the example of parents giving feedback to their children.