TPR

TPR stands for "Total Physical Response", meaning an active language method uncovered by James Asher in the 1960's.. TPR uses an interactive, kinesthetic approach modeled on how infants learn their first language.

Stephen Krashen cites TPR as proof of his theory of language acquisition. Krashen says TPR effectively provides comprehensible input in a relaxed atmosphere..

If you've tried learning with TPR, you may have experienced joy. TPR is arguably the best way to acquire your first thousand words in a language, especially if you are a kinesthetic learner.

TPR is now, forty years later, familiar in many language learning circles. But from the beginning, James Asher struggled to get widespread acceptance of the method. One problem may have been institutional resistance to the idea of kids and teachers jumping around the classroom. Another problem, according to Asher, may have be the brand: "Total Physical Response".. Huh?

This possible branding problem may possibly affect potential acceptance of TPR's successor: TPRS.. Susan Gross has suggested that "storyasking" may be a better moniker..