Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Practice Test 2026 - Free TESOL Practice Questions and Study Guide

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by Dr. James Asher, which emphasizes the use of physical movement to help learners internalize language. In TPR, students respond to verbal input through physical actions, which allows them to connect vocabulary and language structures with actions in a dynamic way. This method taps into the coordination of listening and physical response, making it easier for learners—especially young children or beginners—to understand and remember new language without the pressure of speaking immediately.

By engaging in physical movement, learners are more likely to retain information, as the combination of language and action aligns with how humans naturally learn. This effective approach can deepen comprehension and enhance retention, providing an engaging and interactive classroom environment. The emphasis on movement also reduces anxiety around making mistakes, as students can express their understanding through actions rather than just verbal responses.