Language Teaching Methodology Theme: Total Physical Response Prepared by: Sodiqov Tolqinjon Sobirovich

Language Teaching Methodology
Theme:
Total Physical Response
Prepared by: Sodiqov Tolqinjon Sobirovich
Senior EFL teacher of the Language Teaching Methodology Department.
Background
TPR method was developed by Dr. James J. Asher, a professor of psychology at San Jose State University. He wondered why so many people had problems learning a Second Language.
The solution. The process of learning a second language should be similar to the way we learn our first language. It requires a lot of listening and other input before production is possible.
Observation
When he looked at the way parents and children communicated, Dr. Asher found that both verbal and visual cues were used. Statistics on childhood language acquisition show that children taught with TPR retain more information. The visual cues helped the children to decipher the language. TPR brings gestures and images into the classroom to help students break the code of a new language in the same way.
What is TPR?
If students do not produce the language right away, that is OK. The first step is comprehension.
Total Physical response is an approach to teaching a Second Language based on listening and linked to physical actions.
TPR is most effective when you are teaching concrete objects and ideas, such a vocabulary, simple commands and basic sentence structures.
If students can look at a picture or see an action and immediately understand what you mean.
What is TPR?
Teaching kids, particularly young ones, a foreign language can be hard.

• How do you keep them interested?
• How can you make it fun?
• What’s the best way to ensure they are learning?

It’s a lot to think about. One way to create a fast-paced, active and fun classroom environment is to incorporate some strategies using Total Physical Response (TPR).
Learning hypotheses of TPR
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3
2
Bio-program. The brain and the nervous system are biologically
programmed to acquire language in a particular sequence and in a particular mode.
Brain-lateralization. Children acquire language through motor
movement (right brain activity) then it is processed for the
production in the left brain.
Reduction of stress. The lower the stress the greater the learning. An important condition for successful language learning is stress
free.
Some benefits of TPR

• It helps students remember new phrases or words
• It can be used in both large and small classes
• It doesn’t require much preparation
• It gets students excited about learning and involved in the lesson
• It is effective for all age groups and abilities

Ready to get moving? Here’s a quick step by step guide for teachers using TPR for the first time.
Prepare: decide on the vocabulary you will be teaching and think about the most effective movements to use.
Teacher Modelling: show the students the movement and say the vocabulary word. Be sure to do this a few times so everyone understands what you’re doing.
Student Modelling: now it’s time to get your students involved. Choose a few and have them mimic the action and say the vocabulary word.
How to use Total Physical Response?
Student Participation: to ensure everyone understands, have the entire class model the movement and say the word together.
Write it Down: write the word down on the board, or whatever you are using to show your students new vocabulary. Writing it down for them at this point in the process helps students connect the sound with a written word.
Repetition and Practice: continue teaching the rest of your vocabulary in a similar manner. At the end, be sure to review all the new words and movements with the class.
How to use Total Physical Response?
Characteristics of TPR
Grammar is taught inductively, students are expected to work out the rule during the class activity. In a lesson, 12 – 36 new lexical items can be introduced depending on the size of the group and their level. The major activity is imperative drills.

• Another role of the teacher in the lesson is to direct students´ behavior and students are to imitate, listen and perform.
• Translation is usually not necessary as the meaning is clear from the context.

Demo lesson using TPR method
Advantages of TPR

• It is fun and easy
• It does not require a great deal of preparation on the part of

the teacher.

• It is a good tool for learning vocabulary.
• Class size does not need to be a problem.
• There is no age barrier.
• It is good for all (visual, auditory, tactile and kinaesthetic) learners

Conclusion
Total Physical Response is an interesting method for teaching young learner because they directly practice the command with the physical movement. It is better method for teaching young learner who has visual, auditory and kinesthetic learner style.
It is good for teaching listening, speaking skills and improving students’ vocabularies.
Characteristics of TPR
References

• List of Public Domain Music; http://www.pdinfo.com/list.php
• The Total Physical Response (TPR): Review of the evidence; http://www.tpr-world.com/tpr_review_evidence.html
• ESL Kids Classroom Games and Activities;

http://www.eslkidstuff.com/Classroomgamesframe.htm

• Free ESL Flashcards; http://www.eslflashcards.com/

The end of the session
Thanks for your attention and participation.