Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by Dr. James Asher that uses physical movements and actions in response to verbal commands to help students learn a new language. It is based on the theory that language is best learned through physical motor activity that traces memory connections in the brain. TPR focuses on beginner language learning through interactive physical activities but may have limitations for teaching abstract concepts or engaging shy students.

1. Total Physical Response
(TPR)
• What is TPR ?
Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language
teaching method built around the coordination of
speech and action; it attempts to teach language
through physical (motor) activity.

2. Total Physical Response
(TPR)
• INTRODUCTION
Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method developed by Dr. James J. Asher to
aid learning second languages.
James Asher, a professor of psychology at San Jose State University
The method relies on the assumption that when learning a second or additional
language, that language is internalized through a process of code-breaking
similar to first language development
Students respond to commands that require physical movement. TPR is
primarily intended for ESL teacher, although the method is used in teaching
other languages and subjects as well.
Learning needed to become more enjoyable and less stressful

3. Total Physical Response
(TPR)
• Total Physical Response is linked to the "trace theory " of
memory in psychology
Trace theory
• The more intensively a memory connection is traced, the
stronger the memory association will be and the more likely it
will be recalled.
• Retracing can be done verbally (e.g., by rote repetition) and/or
in association with motor activity
• Combined tracing activities, such as verbal rehearsal
accompanied by motor activity, hence increase the probability
of successful recall.

4. Advantages of TPR
• Fun and Easy: Students enjoy activity!
• Simple TPR activities do not require a great deal of preparation on
the part of the teacher.
• TPR is inclusive and works well a class with mixed ability levels.
• Good for kinesthetic learners who need to be active in class.
• Good tool for building vocabulary.
• Actions help build connections in the brain.
• Helps learners achieve fluency faster by immersing learners in
activities that involve them in situational language use.
• Good instructional practice for ESL’s in their silent period.
• Works well for child and adult learners.

5. Disadvantages of TPR
• Most useful for beginners.
• Preparation becomes an issue for teachers at higher levels.
• Students are not generally given the opportunity to express
their own thought in a creative manner.
• It is easy to over use TPR and begin to bore students.
• May limit teachers in term of scope of language that can be
addressed.
• Can be a major challenge for shy students.
• Use of TPR in teaching abstract language – activities can be
limited to the directly obvious, visible and physically “doable”

6. Conclusion
• TPR seems to work effectively for children and adults. There
is no age barrier. The only setback is that if the language
training starts after puberty, the probability is almost certain
that one will have at least some accent in speaking the second
language, no matter how many years one lives in the foreign
country.
• Students who have little academic reinforcement at home.