Using physical movement is the fastest and most powerful way to learn English vocabulary. Dr. James Asher is the pioneer of a method called “Total Physical Response” which uses physical movement to teach vocabulary quickly and long term.
In his research, Dr. Asher found that students learn vocabulary 4-5 times faster when they learn it with physical movement.
But he also found something much more important– they remember it long term! Students who study vocabulary using normal memorization techniques usually forget most of what they studied. After one year, normal students using normal methods will forget 80% or more of what they “memorized” the previous year. Students who learn the vocabulary with actions will REMEMBER 80% of what they learned– one year earlier!
That’s a HUGE difference. Simply put- learning with physical movements is much faster and it creates much deeper learning that lasts long term.
Dr. Asher found other benefits to learning in this way. The main additional benefit is that learning with movements is more fun. Why is that important? Because when students enjoy their learning, they continue to do it. They don’t quit as often. Since language mastery is a long term process, avoiding quitting is, in fact, a VERY important goal.
Dr. Asher found that “Action Classes” have retention rates 30-80% higher than traditional English classes. In other words, students in the “Action Classes” are more likely to continue studying English year after year after year. This creates MUCH HIGHER long term success rates.
This research has been confirmed by other researchers. There simply is no arguement- learning with actions is far superior to learning in a traditional English class, or learning independently with traditional methods.
It is therefore vital that you use PHYSICAL ACTION whenever you learn English!
