Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method that uses physical movement in response to verbal commands to develop listening comprehension before speaking. The teacher gives commands and models the actions, while students silently mimic the movements. New commands are added gradually. Characteristics include the teacher giving random commands, repeating corrections, students commanding each other, and sequencing actions.

1. Total
Physical
Response
(TPR)
PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA MADRE Y MAESTRA
TESL TRAINING COURSE
PROF.: MANUEL PERALTA
SANTIAGO, FEBRUARY 2012

2.  Todevelop listening comprehension before
speaking.
 Tohelp students connect the expressions in
the target language with the movement that
can convey the meaning.

3. Creator of the TPR

4.  The now gives
 The teacher gives a commands randomly.
command and  When students make
performs with the an error, the teacher
students who remain repeats correctly
silent. while acting it.
 The teacher sits down  The teacher writes
and gives new the new commands on
commands. the board.
 After the first six are  The teacher asks a
mastered, other student to give the
commands are added. commands.

5.  Use of commands to direct behavior
 Rolereversal. Students commanding
the teacher and other students.
 Action sequence.

6.  What are the goals of the teachers who use this
method?
 What’s the role of the teacher?
 What are some characteristics of the
teaching/learning process?
 What is the nature of the student-teacher and the
student-student interactions?
 How does the teacher treat errors?
 Which of the principles of this method are
acceptable to you?
 What areas of language are emphasized?
 How are the feelings of the student dealt with?