Teaching Method: Total physical Response

 Azys Syaiful Anwar

For a teacher, the method of conveying their lesson is very important. In language teaching, especially second or foreign language learning, teacher has to applied proper method which suitable with the students' condition. One of the methods that teacher may use is Total physical response (TPR). It is a method which is used to help learning second languages. TPR is based on the assumption that human brain has ability to acquired natural language. In the other words, TPR tends to emphasize that second language learning is parallel to the mother tongue acquisition. It involves some natural process of obtaining the language. 

Basically, TPR demands the physical responses/feedbacks from the learners. In a language classroom, teacher has a role just like the real parents of the students. The learning process is mainly dominated with command and respond. Teacher may use some words/utterances then students must respond with physical activity. It is useful to teach imperatives and various tenses and aspects. Besides, It can be applied for story-telling. According to James Asher, there are some principles of TPR:

• Second language learning is parallel to first language learning and should reflect the same naturalistic processes 
• Listening should develop before speaking 
• Children respond physically to spoken language, and adult learners learn better if they do that too 
• Once listening comprehension has been developed, speech devlops naturally and effortlessly out of it. 
• Adults should use right-brain motor activities, while the left hemisphere watches and learns 
• Delaying speech reduces stress. 

 Since this method involved the spoken language and the activities, it will encourage students in learning, especially for young learners. Young learners like to move or do many activities rather than stay in their comfortable chairs. In the TPR classroom, They may not bored with the lesson. Teachers may construct activity involving the use of words and physical activities. They can use interactive games, such as Simon Says, and many more.