TEFL Teaching - Total Physical Response (TPR)

Summary

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a dynamic language teaching method developed by Professor James Asher in the 1960s, which engages both hemispheres of the brain. By incorporating physical actions into language lessons, TPR helps young learners acquire vocabulary and grammar more effectively, mirroring natural language development. For instance, when learning the word 'jump,' students physically jump while repeating the word, enhancing retention. TPR is especially beneficial in ESL classrooms, as it fosters faster learning and mimics children's natural acquisition processes, making it an essential methodology for teachers to implement.

Takeaways

• 😀 James Asher developed the Total Physical Response (TPR) teaching method around 1965.
• 😀 TPR was created after observing that children learn their native language without direct instruction before school.
• 😀 Asher theorized that children use both hemispheres of the brain to acquire language knowledge more effectively.
• 😀 The left hemisphere is primarily responsible for language acquisition, while the right hemisphere manages motor responses and movements.
• 😀 Traditional teaching methods often engage only the left hemisphere, limiting the learning process.
• 😀 TPR incorporates physical movements into lessons, allowing students to use both brain hemispheres simultaneously.
• 😀 An example of TPR is having students wave their hands while learning the word 'hand'.
• 😀 This method enhances vocabulary retention by associating words with physical actions.
• 😀 Learners may not remember new vocabulary immediately; it takes time, similar to how children learn their native languages.
• 😀 TPR is particularly effective for young learners in ESL classrooms, aiding faster vocabulary acquisition.

Q & A

What is the Total Physical Response (TPR) method?

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a teaching method developed by James Asher that incorporates physical movement into language learning, allowing students to engage both the left and right hemispheres of their brain.

What did James Asher observe about children's language learning?

Asher observed that children learn the grammar and vocabulary of their native language without direct instruction before entering school, indicating a natural acquisition process.

How does the TPR method utilize the brain's hemispheres?

The TPR method encourages the simultaneous use of both the left hemisphere, which is responsible for language acquisition, and the right hemisphere, which controls motor responses, enhancing the learning experience.

Why might traditional language teaching methods be less effective according to Asher?

Traditional methods typically focus on using only the left hemisphere, which may limit students' ability to acquire language naturally, as they do not engage the right hemisphere's role in motor responses.

Can you give examples of how TPR is implemented in the classroom?

In TPR, a teacher might have students wave their hands while learning the word 'hand' or jump while learning the word 'jump', thus linking physical actions to vocabulary.

What is a common misconception about how quickly students can remember new vocabulary?

Teachers should not expect learners to immediately remember new vocabulary, as it often takes time for students to internalize and recall newly learned material.

How does the TPR method relate to the natural language acquisition process in children?

The TPR method mimics how children learn their native language by listening and playing before they start speaking, allowing for a more natural progression in language acquisition.

For which demographic does the TPR method work especially well?

The TPR method is particularly effective for young learners, as it enhances their capacity to acquire new vocabulary more quickly and engagingly.

What should teachers consider before using the TPR method?

Teachers should understand the principles of TPR and recognize its benefits, particularly for young learners, to effectively implement it in the ESL classroom.

What is the overall impact of using the TPR method in language learning?

The TPR method significantly enhances the learning process by engaging multiple areas of the brain, thus doubling students' learning capacity and making the experience more interactive.