Which language teaching method encourages learners to respond physically to commands before producing verbal responses?
AA. The Silent Way
BB. Total Physical Response (TPR)
CC. Suggestopedia
DD. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
Answer:
B. B. Total Physical Response (TPR)
Read Explanation:
Total Physical Response (TPR)
- Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by James J. Asher, a professor emeritus of psychology at San José State University.
- It is based on the premise that the human brain has a natural bio-programme for acquiring language that mirrors the way infants learn their first language.
- Key principle: Learners respond physically to commands before they are expected to produce verbal responses. This mimics the 'silent period' observed in children acquiring their native language.
- The method prioritizes listening comprehension, believing that comprehension precedes production.
- The teacher acts as a commander, issuing commands (e.g., "Stand up," "Walk to the door," "Touch your nose"), and students respond by performing the actions.
- The initial focus is on imperative verbs and concrete nouns, making it particularly effective for teaching vocabulary related to actions and objects.
- Stress reduction is a core component; TPR aims to create a low-anxiety learning environment, as students are not forced to speak until they feel ready.
- Errors in pronunciation are generally not corrected immediately, with the belief that correct pronunciation will develop naturally over time.
- TPR is often used with beginners and for teaching young learners, as it leverages their natural inclination for movement and play.
- It is considered part of the Comprehension Approach to language teaching, which emphasizes understanding over immediate production.
- While effective for concrete vocabulary and basic sentence structures, TPR may be less suitable for teaching abstract concepts or developing complex grammatical structures without supplementary methods.