THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE METHOD IN IMPROVING STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION



Authors (s)


(1) * Khoirin Nisa'   (Univeristas Nurul Jadid)  
        Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study investigates the effectiveness of the Total Physical Response (TPR) method in improving English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ reading comprehension at an Islamic junior high school in Indonesia. Reading comprehension remains a challenging skill for many EFL learners due to limited vocabulary mastery, low motivation, and teacher-centered instructional practices. To address this issue, this study employed a quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design involving 27 eighth-grade students at MTs Lubbul Labib. Data were collected using a reading comprehension test consisting of 50 multiple-choice items administered before and after the implementation of the TPR method. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 29. The findings reveal a significant improvement in students’ reading comprehension after the treatment, indicating that TPR effectively enhances students’ ability to understand English texts. The integration of physical movement with language instruction was found to facilitate vocabulary retention, reduce learning anxiety, and increase students’ engagement in reading activities. This study contributes to the pedagogical discussion on kinesthetic-based language instruction and provides practical implications for EFL teachers, particularly in junior high school and Islamic school contexts.



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