TPR+Approach

** Total Physical Response (TPR) ** The Total Physical Response (TPR) approach is a method developed in the 1970’s by Dr. James Asher. This method combines information and skills through the use of kinesthetic system. The combination of the skills allows the students to absorb new knowledge and skills at a rate pace which leads to higher motivation. Language is taught in commands and by teachers modeling actions and the students performing the same actions.  An example of TPR: ** Step I ** The teacher says the commands as he himself performs the action. **Step 3** The teacher says the command but only students perform the action **Step 4** The teacher tells one student at a time to do the commands **Step 5** The roles of teacher and student are reversed. Students give commands to teacher and to other students. **Step 6** The teacher and student allow for command expansion or produces new sentences. *__VALUE and/or CHALLENGES:__ ** Values: Students are not just sitting at their desks, they are physically learning a new language and many will learn it subconsciously. They are not aware that copying the teacher’s movements is actually helping them learn a new language. Teachers also do not have to do much preparation during these activities. Challenges: I feel that TPR is only for young second language learners. I think adults will not understand the importance of “mimicking” the teacher. Many adults will be more reluctant to do this. Young students will not hesitate as much to follow the teacher’s instruction and copy their movements. ** *__MAJOR THEORISTS and/or RESEARCHER:__ ** Dr. James Asher I feel that this is a great approach for young second language learners because it allows them to get up and try different things with their bodies and they do not have to just sit there and listen to the teacher lecture. I also like that teachers can use this in a mixed ability class, in a small or a large classroom, it is good for kinesthetic learners, and students with disabilities can partake in these activities as well. ** *__LESSON PLAN EXAMPLE:__ ** http://www.instructorweb.com/basicskills/lessons/knowmapusa.asp http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=882
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 120%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif">*__DEFINITION:__ **<span style="FONT-SIZE: 120%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif">  // (from: [|http://www.tpr-world.com]) //
 * Step 2** The teacher says the command as both the teacher and the students then perform the action.
 * *__MY EVALUATION:__ **