Learner
roles in total physical response methods
Learners in Total Physical Response have the primary
roles of listener and performer. They listen attentively and respond physically
to commands given by the teacher. Learners are required to respond both
individually and collectively. Learners have little influence over the content
of learning, since content is determined by the teacher, who must follow the
imperative-based format for lessons. Learners are also expected to recognize
and respond to novel combinations of previously taught items:
Novel utterances are recombinations of constituents you
have used directly in training. For instance, you directed students with 'Walk
to the table!' and 'Sit on the chair!'. These are familiar to students since
they have practiced responding to them. Now, will a student understand if you
surprise the individual with an unfamiliar utterance that you created by
recombining familiar elements (e.g. 'Sit on the table!').
Learners are also required to produce novel combinations
of their own. Learners monitor and evaluate their own progress. They are
encouraged to speak when they feel ready to speak - that is, when a sufficient
basis in the language has been internalized.