Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by James Asher in the 1970s that uses physical movement and actions in response to verbal commands to reduce student stress and anxiety. It is based on the idea that coordinating speech with actions improves language learning. Key aspects of TPR include focusing on meaning through movement, using imperative drills, having students act out commands from the teacher, and creating a low-pressure environment for early speaking practice.

1. ENGLISH TEACHING METHODOLOGY

2. TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE

3. ORIGIN
 It was developed by James Asher in
the 70s. He drew from a variety of
areas, including psychology, learning
theory and humanistic pedagogy.

4. BACKGROUND
 TPR is a method of teaching
language using physical movement to
react to verbal input in order to reduce
student inhibitions and lower their
affective filter.

5. BACKGROUND
 TPR works by having the learner respond to
simple commands such as “Stand up”, “Close
your book”, “Go to the window and open it”.
 It is based on the assumption that the
coordination of speech and action will boost
language learning; aims to teach language
through physical activities.

6. TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE

7. FEATURES
 Focus on meaning, which is interpreted by
movement, and aural comprehension.
 Seated in a semi-circle
 Great deal of listening and acting
 Major classroom activity: Imperative drills
 Directing a performance in which the students
are actors

8. FEATURES
 Teacher always uses the target language
 Overcoming the fear of speaking, stress-free
environment
 Ultimate aim: To teach basic speaking skills
 Concrete materials and realia are used
 Syllabus: Sentence-based syllabus with
primary grammatical and lexical criteria

9. TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE

10. STRONG POINTS
 Reducing stress, fear of speaking
 Students enjoy moving around the
classroom
 No disadvantages for academically
weaker students

11. STRONG POINTS
 Train students to react to language,
not to think too much about it
 Not preparing long hours
 Effective for both adult and young
learners
 Facilitating long term retention

12. TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE

13. STRONG POINTS
 Challenging for shy students
 Best suitable for beginners
 Rude and appropriate language of the
learner