2.1.2 Principles of Total Physical Response Method
The success of teaching and learning process is extremely influenced by methods or techniques used by teacher. Therefore, before applying the Total
Physical Response method for teaching English, teacher should understand its principles well in order to get maximum results.
Larsen and Freeman 2000:111-115 explain several principles of Total Physical Response Method. The principles are:
a. Meaning in the target language can often be conveyed through
learner‟s responses. It means that students are considered understand the meaning of introduced words or sentences if they can respond the
instructions correctly. b.
The target language should be presented in chunks, not just word by word. It is related to the students‟ first language acquisition which their
environment introduce their first language mainly in the form of sentences or clauses.
c. The students understanding of the target language should be developed
before speaking. After that, students can learn through some observing actions as well as by performing the action themselves. So, the
students only speak when they are ready to speak. d.
Language learning is more effective when it is fun. It is because one of the objectives of Total Physical Response usage is to reduce the
students‟ stress when they learn a foreign language. Making noise is permissible as long as they still pay attention to the lesson.
According to the principles above, I draw to conclusions that Total Physical Response method has some principles which are mainly agreed with the
development of children in acquiring languages. It also help students in reducing stress, nervous, and uncomfortable feeling during foreign language learning since
it allows students to understand the meaning of introduced words easily by using their body movements.
2.1.3 Objectives of Total Physical Response
Every teaching methods and media are developed by the purpose to get betterment for education fields. Teachers who use Total Physical Response
method believe in importance of having their students enjoy their experience in learning foreign language. Therefore, most of them use this method because they
believe that it can reduce stress students feel when they study foreign languages and encourage students to persist in their study beyond a beginning level of
proficiency. Larsen-Freeman 2000:113 Meanwhile, Richard and Rodger give their opinion about the objectives of
this method usage. “The general objectives of Total Physical Response are to teach oral
proficiency at a beginning level. Comprehension is a mean to an end, and the ultimate aim is to give basic speaking skills. TPR aims to produce learners who
are capable of an uninhibited communication that is intelligible to a native speaker.”
From the statement above, I believe that the main objective of Total
Physical Response is increasing students‟ motivation and desire in foreign
language learning. Moreover it is supposed to teach oral proficiency at a 12
beginning level by using action-based drills in the imperative forms. Based on its objectives, I believe that this method can be successfully implemented in teaching
instructions for elementary students which instructions are mostly introduced in the form of imperative sentences.
2.2 Teaching and Learning English in the Elementary School
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