Teaching English Listening and Speaking Skills Through Total Physical Response to Young Learners

Abstract

The purpose of this research synthesis is to analyze the teaching of listening and speaking skills in English to young learners using the Total Physical Response method. To carry out the research, 20 empirical studies published in the last 10 years were selected. In addition, the following databases were used: Google Scholar, Scielo, Academia, ERIC, and ResearchGate. The key terms used in this research were Total Physical Response, body movements, gestures, effects, activities, English, and development of listening and speaking skills. The results of this research synthesis demonstrated that the application of the Total Physical Response method for teaching listening and speaking skills in English has positive effects on young learners, as they exhibited active participation, motivation and engagement, improved vocabulary, fluency, and pronunciation. Likewise, studies report that students reduced their anxiety in the classroom. In addition, it was evidenced that the main activities implemented based on the Total Physical Response method were imperative exercises, role-playing, listening and repetition, use of gestures or body movements, and reading aloud.