The Audiolingual Method

Approach: Theory of language

…”language is primarily what is spoken

and only secondarily what is written”.

(Brooks, 1964)
 Approach: Theory of learning.
Learning principles

Foreign language learning is a process of

mechanical habit formation. Good habits are
formed by giving correct responses rather
than by making mistakes. By memorizing
dialogues and performing pattern drills the
chances of producing miskates are minimized.
Design: learning and teaching
activities

Various kinds of drills are used.

TRANSFORMATION RESTATEMENT

REPETITION INFLECTION

REPLACEMENT INTEGRATION CONTRACTION

RESTORATION
EXPANSION
 Design: learner roles

In accordance with behavourist learning

theory, learners are seen as organisms that can
be directed by skilled training techniques to
produce correct responses. Learners are not
encouraged to initiate interaction, because this
may lead to mistakes.
 Design: learner roles

In the early stages learners do not

understand the meaning of what
they are repeating.
 Design: teacher roles
Teacher-dominated method

models the TL

The controls the direction and

teacher pace of learning

monitors and
corrects the learners’
performance
 Design: teacher roles

Language learning results from active

verbal interaction between the
teacher and the learners.
 The Audiolingual method reached
its most widespread use in the 1960s
 CRITICISM

Both the language theory and the

learning were attacked as being
unsound

Bad results. Students were often unable

to transfer the skills learned in class to
real communication outside the classroom