A Relative Comparison Made of Two Teaching Methodologies: The Examples of ‘Suggestopedia’ vs. Total Physical Response
Paul C. Talley, Ph.D.; Tu, Hui-ling

Abstract
The necessity to offer comparative teaching methodologies is a reality most teachers face in the classroom setting. No two students comprehend language arts in the same way because of previous learning experiences, temperament, and expectations. As a result, teachers must frequently choose between two or more second language teaching methods to effectively address students’ needs. This paper uses a comparison made between Total Physical Response and Suggestopedia methods as an example of how to choose a practical approach to teaching. The ability to consider traits, strengths, weaknesses, and results in an evaluative manner can help teachers to gain insight in order to determine which method is most effective for teaching language and then to recognize the similarities and differences between these methods. The methods examined in this paper in no way reflect the only approaches open for instruction. It is hoped that a generalized teaching approach which blends the best of many teaching methods may be adopted, adapted, and considered for purposes of instruction.

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