Total Physical Response is a language teaching method developed by James Asher in the 1960s-1970s that uses physical movements in response to verbal commands to reduce anxiety. The teacher initially directs all student behaviors through modeling to build comprehension before speaking. This helps students react to language without overthinking and facilitates long-term retention of vocabulary, grammar, and phonological systems as listening, reading, and speaking abilities develop over time.

1. Total Physical
Response
James Asher
60s and 70s
Language learning
should start with
understanding and
then proceed to
producction
A method of teaching
language using physical
movement to react
verbal input
Initially is the
director of all
students behavior
It reduces
students anxiety
and stress
It helps to facilitate
long term retention
It allows students
to react to
language without
thinking too much
They are imitators of
teacher’s non verbal
model , at some point
students will be ready
to speak
listening , reading and
speaking abilities.
Vocabulary ,
phonological and
grammar systems
Created by
During the
With the purpose of
is
Teacher’s role Student’s role
In which
It develops
Dannae Del Campo M.
Gabriela Quezada C.