TPR (Total Physical Response)

A. The definition of TPR method

Total Physical Response is a language teaching method emerged in 1970s, created by J.E.
Asher. Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method in language teaching which attempts to
develop language mastery and communication ability as impact of body movements as response
to language cues. It is built around the coordination of speech and action, in which vocabulary
items paired with appropriate physical actions, designed to reinforce comprehension on the
items, and then accompanied by language practices. Meanings of language literally presented
through physical demonstration with or to objects, and then students practice using the utterances
after comprehending it.

Other than TPR, linguists and practitioners also label this method as "Comprehension
Approach", because the main starting point for acquiring the language and communication
ability is through comprehension. '"Comprehension before production" is another well known
jargon in TPR.

B. Characteristics of TPR method

1. The material is presented in imperative form.

2. The commands are given to the class as a whole.
3. Students will begin to speak when they are ready.
4. Production will naturally be delayed until the students listening comprehension has been
developed.
5. Meaning in target language can often be conveyed through action.
6. Listening should be accompanied by physical movement.
7. The students‟ mistakes are corrected in a timely manner.
8. The learning process as started from the simple sentence and it can be visualization in the
class.

C. The Technique of TPR method

1. Using commands in action sequences

2. Role reversal
3. Conversational dialogues and role plays
4. Slide presentations
5. Compiling language experience stories
D. The goals of TPR method

1. The first goals of total pshyical response is for students to enjoy their experience in
learning a foreign language, to reduce the stress that people feel when learning a foreign
language and thereby encourage them to persist in their studies beyond the initial level of
proficiency.
2. The second goal of Total Physical Response is to build speaking competence. A typical
TPR course focuses on getting the learner to speak a non-native/target language that
native speakers of that language can understand.

E. Advantages and Disadvantages of TPR

TPR has some advantages and disadvantages. Its advantages include:

1. It is a lot of fun. Learners enjoy it, and this method can be a real stirrer in the class. It lifts
the pace and the mood
2. It is very memorable. It does assist students to recognize phrases or words
3. It is good for kinaesthetic learners who are required to be active in the class
4. It is no need to have a lot of preparation or materials using the TPR.
5. It is very effective with teenagers and young learners
6. It involves both left and right-brained learning

In addition to such advantages, TPR has disadvantages. Among them are:

1. Students who are not used to such things might find it embarrassing.
2. It is only really suitable for beginner levels..
3. It is not flexibly used to teach everything, and if used a lot, it would become
repetitive.
4. When a teacher uses TPR in their lesson, the students will have trouble teaching
abstract vocabulary or expressions.