Total physical response

1. Total physical response A presentation by Amon Head

2. Total Physical Response: The Idea • Total Physical Response is a language learning method based on the coordination of speech and action. This method of learning was developed by James Asher, a professor of psychology at San Jose State University, California. • TPR(Total Physical Response) is linked to the trace of theory of memory, which holds that the more often or intensively a memory connection is traced, the stronger the memory will be.

3. The Approach To Total Physical Response • According to Asher, the language learning theories are similar to those of other behavioral psychologists. The principals that help elaborate his idea are: • Second language learning is parallel to first language learning and should reflect the same naturalistic processes. • Listening should develop before speaking. • Once listening comprehension has been developed, speech develops naturally and effortlessly out of it. • Adults should use right-brain motor activities, while the left hemisphere watches and learns.

4. Practiced & Tried • Total Physical Response has been practiced and tried in hundreds of languages around the world and through trial and error it has been noted that more understanding & knowledge of this learning method falls second in assisting second language learners comprehension skills.

5. The Base of Total Physical Response • TPR is based on the idea that the human brain has a biological program used to acquire any natural language on earth. • Evidence of this falls in the form sign language for the deaf. • Evidence of this idea also comes in the form of infants internalizing their first language.

6. The Secret of Learning • There is a secret to this way of learning in many age groups but one that is more acknowledged is that of an infant learning their first words. The unique conversation between a parent and infant would be a prime example. • When a parent says “Look at daddy”, and the baby turns to the father and the father then responds, this becomes a “Language-Body Conversation.” Although the child is not yet speaking they are internalizing the patterns and sounds of the target language.

7. A short video • Total Physical Response Video

8. Another Video

9. Advantages • It is fun and easy. Students will enjoy getting up out of their chairs and moving around. • Simple TPR activities do not require a great deal of preparation on the part of the teacher. However, some other more complex applications might. • "TPR is aptitude-free." according to Asher. It is inclusive working well with a mixed ability class. • It is good for kinesthetic learners who need to be active in the class. • It is a good tool for building vocabulary. • It is memorable. Actions help strengthen the connections in the brain. • Class size need not be a problem.

10. Disadvantages • While it can be used at higher levels TPR is most useful for beginners. It is also at the higher levels where preparation becomes an issue for the teacher. • Students are not generally given the opportunity to express their own thoughts in a creative way. • It is easy to overuse TPR. "Any novelty, if carried on too long, will trigger adaptation." Asher writes, "No matter how exciting and productive the innovation, people will tire of it." • The teacher may find that it is limited in terms of language scope. Certain target languages may not be suited to this method. • It can be a challenge for shy students.

11. Once students actually understand, then what? • The first objective in any excellent language program is enabling students to be comfortable and confident with the sounds, the grammatical patterns, and semantics of the new language. That can be accomplished with students of all ages including adults using concrete nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions, and adverbs.

12. IN CONCLUSION: BENEFITS OF TPR • Instant understanding of the target language, regardless of academic aptitude • High Speed Long-term retention • Stress-free

13. The end.