Another method that fits within the Comprehension Approach is Winitz and Reed’s
self-instructional program and Winitz’ The Learnables. In this method, students listen
to tape-recorded words, phrases, and sentences while they look at accompanying
pictures. The meaning of the utterance is clear from the context the picture provides.
The students are asked to respond in some way, such as pointing to each picture as it
is described, to show that they understand the language to which they are listening;
however, they do not speak. Stories illustrated by pictures are also used as a device to
convey abstract meaning.
A third method that fits here is the Lexical Approach. Although its originator,
Michael Lewis, claims that the Lexical Approach is an approach, not a method, it
really belongs under the category of the Comprehension Approach, we feel. This is
because the Lexical Approach is less concerned with student production and more
concerned that students receive and comprehend abundant input. Particularly at lower
levels, teachers talk extensively to their students in the target language, while
requiring little or no verbal response from them. Students are also given exercises and
activities that raise their awareness about multi-word lexical items, such as ‘I see what
you mean,’ and ‘Take your time.’ Like Krashen and Terrell, Lewis emphasizes
acquisition over learning, assuming that ‘It is exposure to enough suitable input, not
formal teaching, which is key to increasing the learner’s lexicon (Lewis 1997: 197).
A fourth method, James Asher’s Total Physical Response (TPR), is the one we will
examine in detail here in order to see how the principles of the Comprehension
Approach are put into practice. Based on his research cited above, Asher reasoned
that the fastest, least stressful way to achieve understanding of any target language is
to follow directions uttered by the instructor (without native language translation). We
will learn about Total Physical Response through our usual way of observing a class
in which it is being used. The class is located in Sweden. It is a beginning class for 30
Grade 5 students. They study English for one class period three times a week.