The effectiveness of total physical response (TPR) in enhancing vocabulary retention and oral fluency in beginner English learners

Abstract

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching faces significant challenges in vocabulary retention and oral fluency development. Total Physical Response (TPR) methodology integrates physical movement with language learning to address these pedagogical challenges. This study determined TPR effectiveness in improving vocabulary retention and oral fluency through analysis of student perceptions and experiences. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 42 seventh-semester English Teaching Program students who completed 8 weeks of TPR-based instruction. Data were collected through surveys in August 2025 and analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed overwhelmingly positive student perceptions. Vocabulary retention improved significantly, with 90.5% identifying enhanced physical-cognitive connections. Speaking confidence increased dramatically: oral communication comfort rose from 19.0% to 88.1%. Students demonstrated strong TPR preference over traditional methods (100% for engagement). Most effective activities included Simon Says games, daily routines acting, and body parts songs. Initial adult learner resistance (64.3% embarrassment) decreased to 19.0% after experiencing benefits. TPR demonstrates significant effectiveness in enhancing vocabulary retention and oral fluency development, simultaneously addressing cognitive, affective, and social dimensions of language acquisition. Findings support TPR integration into EFL curricula as valuable complement to traditional methods.