TPR, or Total Physical Response, was observed and then used in lessons as an effective way to help ESL learners acquire a new language. It was developed in the 1970s by Dr. James Asher, Professor of Psychology at San Jose State University in California. He observed that it is comprehension that is the first stage in language acquisition , not word production.
TPR involves the pairing of language and movement in helping establish an innate understanding and grasp of language . TPR is memorable meaning made through movements. The teacher models the movement, and the student imitates the movement. This technique , therefore, is an asset to all types of leaners including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners.
There are two main types of TPR.
The first one is Instructional TPR. This is a process whereby the teacher issues a command. It allows for students to participate and speak more during lessons and eliminates excess "teacher talk."
The second type is Educational TPR. This type of TPR is used to teach language or vocabulary concepts by using physical movements. For example, a teacher might model with her arms and hands an "elephant's trunk" using the "term" " elephant". The student mimics the teacher, thereby helping to solidify the concept and term.
