Total physical response (tpr) method and the listening skills

Abstract

The aim of this study was to know the influence of the Total Physical Response (TPR) method on the listening skills achievement. The researcher investigated the relationship between the two variables through a pre-experimental design. A quantitative approach was employed to obtain the statistical information about this work. This research was conducted at Unidad Educativa “Glenn Doman”, in Ambato-Ecuador. The sample of this work consisted of 23 young learners of 7 and 8 years old, 14 were male and 9 were female. The participants’ listening skills and sub-skills, were assessed trough a suitable instrument and it was the (A1 Movers listening test of Cambridge). Both tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. The results show that learners performed better in the post-test. This was possible to evidence by the pre-test and posttest means, which were evaluated on two criteria. First, the mean of listening for specific information was 4,97 points, while the post-test mean was 7,02 points. On the other hand, the second criterion evaluated was listening for detail, whose means were 4,43 in the pretest and 6,52 in the post-test. In addition, the application of the TPR method in the students created a greater impact and improved receptivity through TPR strategies. The findings reveal that the TPR method significantly enhances listening skills and the listening subskills of listening for specific information and listening for detail, through the use of strategies comprising “listen and do” activities, imperative drills, and realia demonstration commands.