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A Short Summary About TPR

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching methodology developed by James Asher that emphasizes the connection between language and physical movement. It involves teachers giving commands in the target language that students respond to with physical actions, fostering listening comprehension and reducing anxiety in early language learners. TPR engages kinesthetic learners, enhances memory retention, and can be adapted for various age groups and proficiency levels, making it an effective and enjoyable approach to language acquisition.

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9 views2 pages

A Short Summary About TPR

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching methodology developed by James Asher that emphasizes the connection between language and physical movement. It involves teachers giving commands in the target language that students respond to with physical actions, fostering listening comprehension and reducing anxiety in early language learners. TPR engages kinesthetic learners, enhances memory retention, and can be adapted for various age groups and proficiency levels, making it an effective and enjoyable approach to language acquisition.

Uploaded by

kimrecy457
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Name : Reci Desyana Putri

Nim. : 24129481

Total Physical Response, pioneered by James Asher, stands as a compelling language teaching
methodology that fundamentally leverages the intrinsic link between language and physical
movement. Its core principle rests on the belief that language acquisition is significantly
enhanced when learners actively engage their bodies in the learning process. Asher drew
inspiration from the way young children acquire their first language, often through parental
commands and physical responses long before they begin to speak fluently.
At its heart, TPR sessions revolve around the teacher issuing commands in the target language,
which the students then execute through physical actions. Imagine a teacher saying "Stand up,"
and the students respond by rising from their seats, or "Touch your nose," prompting the
corresponding action. This direct connection between auditory input and kinesthetic response
forms the bedrock of the method.
The initial stages of TPR typically emphasize listening comprehension. Students are not
immediately pressured to produce spoken language. Instead, they are encouraged to internalize
the meaning of the commands through repeated physical enactment. This "silent period" allows
learners to build confidence and reduce the anxiety often associated with early language
learning. The focus shifts from immediate verbal production to understanding and responding
physically, creating a less threatening and more enjoyable learning environment.
The teacher plays a dynamic and central role in TPR. They act as the director, modeling the
actions associated with the commands and ensuring clarity in their instructions. The teacher's
enthusiasm and physical engagement can be highly motivating for students. As learners
progress, the complexity of the commands can gradually increase, incorporating more
vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Several key characteristics define the TPR approach:
● The Power of the Imperative: The imperative form of verbs (commands) serves as the
primary linguistic vehicle in TPR, providing clear and actionable input.
● Action-Based Learning: Physical movement is not just an add-on; it's integral to the
learning process, aiding in comprehension and retention.
● Right-Brain Activation: Asher posited that TPR engages the right hemisphere of the
brain, which is associated with spatial and kinesthetic learning, before activating the left
hemisphere responsible for verbal processing. This holistic brain engagement is believed
to enhance learning.
● Stress Reduction: By initially focusing on physical responses, TPR minimizes the
anxiety often experienced by language learners when required to speak prematurely. This
fosters a more relaxed and receptive learning atmosphere.
● Catering to Kinesthetic Learners: TPR inherently benefits students who learn best
through physical activity and hands-on experiences.
● Enhanced Memory and Retention: The physical embodiment of language can create
stronger neural connections, leading to improved memory and long-term retention of
vocabulary and concepts.
● Implicit Grammar Learning: While not explicitly taught, grammatical structures are often
embedded within the commands, allowing students to internalize them naturally through
repeated exposure and action.
● Adaptability: While particularly effective for beginners and young learners, TPR
principles can be adapted for various age groups and proficiency levels. More complex
commands and sequences of actions can challenge more advanced students.
As students gain confidence and comprehension, the dynamics of the classroom can evolve.
Learners may begin to give commands to each other, further solidifying their understanding and
promoting interaction. Role-playing scenarios incorporating TPR can also be introduced, adding
a communicative dimension to the method.
In conclusion, Total Physical Response offers a unique and engaging approach to language
teaching that prioritizes physical activity and reduces the initial pressure of spoken production.
By tapping into kinesthetic learning and fostering a low-anxiety environment, TPR can be a
powerful tool for building a strong foundation in a new language, making the learning process
both effective and enjoyable.

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