Key Language Teaching Methods: TPR, Silent Way, and CLL

Total Physical Response (TPR) by James Asher

Total Physical Response (TPR), developed by James Asher, is a language teaching method built around the coordination of speech and action; it attempts to teach language through physical (motor) activity.

Approach to Language Learning

• Asher does not directly discuss the nature of language.
• Asher’s language learning theories are reminiscent of the views of other behavioral psychologists.

Method Design and Objectives

• The general objectives of TPR are to teach oral proficiency at a beginning level.
• The type of syllabus Asher uses can be inferred from an analysis of the exercise types employed in TPR classes. This analysis reveals the use of a sentence-based syllabus, with grammatical and lexical criteria being primary in selecting teaching items.
• Imperative drills are the major classroom activity in TPR.

Classroom Procedure Insights

Asher provides a lesson-by-lesson account of a course taught according to TPR principles.

The Silent Way by Caleb Gattegno

The Silent Way is the name of a method of language teaching devised by Caleb Gattegno. It is based on the premise that the teacher should be silent as much as possible in the classroom, and the learner should be encouraged to produce as much language as possible.

Approach to Language Learning

• Gattegno takes an openly skeptical view of the role of linguistic theory in language teaching methodology.
• Considerable discussion is devoted to the importance of grasping the “spirit” of the language.
• The Silent Way takes a structural approach to the organization of language to be taught.

Method Design and Objectives

• The general objective of the Silent Way is to give beginning-level students oral and aural facility in basic elements of the target language.
• It employs a structural syllabus, with lessons planned around grammatical items and related vocabulary. The imperative is the initial structure introduced due to the ease with which action verbs may be demonstrated.
• Basic to the method are simple linguistic tasks in which the teacher models a word, phrase, or sentence and then elicits learner responses.

Classroom Procedure Insights

A Silent Way lesson typically follows a standard format.

Community Language Learning (CLL) by Charles Curran

Community Language Learning (CLL) is the name of a method developed by Charles A. Curran and his associates. His application of psychological counseling techniques to learning is known as Counseling-Learning.

Approach to Language Learning

• Language is a Social Process.
• CLL advocates a holistic approach to language learning.

Method Design and Objectives

• Objectives are not explicitly defined.
• CLL does not use a conventional language syllabus; the course progression is topic-based.
• As with most methods, CLL combines innovative learning tasks and activities with conventional ones.

Classroom Procedure Insights

Each CLL course is, in a sense, a unique experience. Generally, the observer will see a circle of learners all facing one another.