Effectiveness of total physical response integration in enhancing communication and collaboration competencies: A quasi-experimental study among Grade 3 learners in Kenya

Contemporary educational frameworks emphasize communication and collaboration as essential 21st-century competencies, yet traditional teaching methods often inadequately develop these complex skills among young learners. To evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Total Physical Response in enhancing communication and collaboration competency in English oral skills lessons among Grade 3 learners in Kakamega County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental design involved 116 Grade 3 learners (58 experimental, 58 control) from public primary schools. Experimental group received TPR-integrated instruction over four weeks. Competency assessment utilized a validated rubric measuring six dimensions: verbal expression, active listening, non-verbal communication, peer interaction, group participation, and conflict resolution. Experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all competency dimensions (p < 0.001) with large to very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.19-1.71). Verbal expression improved by 1.1 points (52% increase), non-verbal communication by 1.4 points (70% increase), and collaboration competencies by 1.1-1.3 points (65-72% increases). TPR integration significantly enhances both communication and collaboration competencies among Grade 3 learners, demonstrating effectiveness in developing integrated 21st-century skills essential for contemporary educational success.