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- language forms occur within a context
- students‟ native language interferes as little as possible with the students‟
attempts to acquire the target language
- teaching is directed to provide students with a native –speaker like model
- analogy provides a better foundation for language learning than analysis
- errors are carefully avoided because they lead to the formation of bad habits
- positive reinforcement helps the student to develop correct habits
- students are encouraged to learn to respond to verbal and non-verbal stimuli
- the teacher is regarded as an orchestra leader conducting , guiding and
controlling the students‟ behavior in the target language -
Learning foreign language is treated on par with the native language.
This method focuses on mimicking and memorizing the new vocabulary similar to what the kindergarten teachers used to teach the children. The role of
grammar is less. Using dialogues and group works. The writer chooses this method because the principals can be modified to be used for children. The matters of study
between Audio-lingual and TPR are made in the similar difficulties.
2.4. Total Physical Response Method TPR
Krashen 1995:140 says “Total Physical Response TPR consists basically of obeying commands given by the Instructor that involve an overt physical
response.” This method used actual body response to the words given. The learners understand the meaning of the words through this action.
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Moreover, Asher 2003 says “TPR total physical response is a method of
teaching language using physical movement to react to verbal input in order to reduce student inhibitions and lower their affective filter. It allows students to react
to language without thinking too much, facilitates long term retention, and reduces student anxiety and stress.
” Asher 2003 also mentions how to implement TPR effectively;
“it is necessary to plan regular sessions that progress in a logical order, and to keep several principles in mind.
” The terms of logical order in TPR principals is similar to nativism theory of language acquisition.
Asher 2003 also mentions that some principles in doing TPR are as follows: -
Prepare a script -
Build on what has gone before -
Recycle language and review extensively -
Don‟t change the target language -
Be good-natured and positive. In order for students to relax and feel comfortable, during TPR practice the teacher should project a friendly and
positive manner. -
Introduce limited number of new items and manipulate them extensively -
Incorporate some humor -
Students dont speak -
Students dont “help” each other
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The writer chooses TPR because it is easy to practice and the principles can be adapted to use for children. Widodo 2005:240 mentions some disadvantages of
using TPR “it is only really suitable for beginner level.” That is why the writer is interested to use this method.
2.5. Applied Linguistics Research
Krashen 1995:3 says “Applied Linguistics Research: a great deal of research goes on in linguistics that is not aimed at supporting or attacking any
coherent theory. This research, rather, is aimed at solving practical, real problems that confront society. A few examples will hopefully make this category clear.” The
research method that is used in this paper is to compare two teaching methods. The two teaching methods will be used in two different classes but in the same level. The
teaching methods will be used are Audio-lingual Total Physical Response. The students will be researched are children who attend kindergarten school. The basic
research hypothesis is adapted from Krashen ‟s statement stated in his book; Krashen
1995:3 says “An example that will be important to us in our discussion of language teaching consists of experiments th
at compare teaching methods.” Children are assumed to have a better ability to grasp language.
In order to optimize their potential, a better teaching method must be applied to them. Thus, this research aim is to give a supporting evidence of above
assumption. The result of research and observation are data of children ability in studying English using those two methods. Therefore, the data will be the supporting
evidence and references to choose a better language teaching method for young language learners.
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2.6. Relevant Studies
