Total Physical Response

The method of the Total Physical Response (TPR) was created by James Asher in the 1960s and 1970s. His main aim was reinforcing the apprentice of words and expressions when learning a second language. Asher brought up the fact that, in that process, language is internalized through a dynamic of code-breaking similar to first language development. That would allow a long period of listening and developing comprehension before the production phase. The main idea of the method consists then on the stimulation of an active participation of the student through the use of motor activities, so the child’s way to communicate is through body gestures.

The method draws on three learning hypothesis:

1) There is an innate bioprogram for language learning, which defines a path for first and second language development; that is, development of listening skills before learning to speak

2) Brain lateralization defines different learning functions; TPR is directed to right-brain learning. Asher holds that the child learner acquires language through motor movement - a right-hemisphere activity. Right-hemisphere activities must occur before the left hemisphere can process language for production

3) Stress (and affective filter) intervenes in the learning process. First language acquisition occurs in a stress-free environment whereas the second language learning environment is often stressful.

It is really interesting that this method was also named "the comprehension approach", since it is based on children's first language acquisition. Therefore, it assumes the fact that a baby takes a lot of time acquiring the necessary input before starting to produce speech.

'TPR' on the Internet:

http://www.tpr-world.com/

http://www.tpr-world.com/what.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_physical_response

http://www.sil.org/lingualinks/languagelearning/waystoapproachlanguagelearning/totalphysicalresponse.htm

http://br.video.yahoo.com/watch/2801843/8126815 (video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMRhZRoQsOA&feature=related (ppt)

Bibliographical Sources:

LARSEN-FREEMAN, D. Techniques and principles in language teaching. New York; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986. (only for Total Physical Response)

RICHARDS, J. ; RODGERS, T. Approaches and methods in Language teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986

Norland, Deborah L. and Pruett-Said, Terry. A kaleidoscope of models and strategies for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood, 2006