THE AUDIO-LINGUAL METHOD OF TEACHING ENGLISH

Introduction

• Originated from the Behaviourist theory of learning languages

• Also known as the ‘’Army Method’’ • Popularised by need to learn basic skills in

foreign languages during world war 2• Focuses on repetition drills

Language focus

• Similar to the earlier Direct method• Teaches the language directly• Doesn’t focus on teaching vocabulary• Students are drilled in the use of grammar

There are 4 parts to the Audio Lingual Method

• Repetition• Inflection • Replacement• Restatement

Repetition

The students repeat what the teacher says:

Teacher : I want to buy some fruitStudents : I want to buy some fruit

The students copy the teacher wors for word

Innection

The teacher says a word or sentences, the students change the form

Teacher : I want to buy some fruit

Students: I wanted to buy some fruit

Replacement

• The teacher says a sentences and the students replace a word in the sentence

Teacher : I want to buy some bananas

Students : I want to buy some apples

Restatement

• The teacher says sentences and the students rephrase the sentences

Teacher : Tell me to speak louder !Students : Speak louder !

Lesson example

• Teacher : There’s a pen in my bag• Student : There’s a pen in my bag• Teacher : Pencil • Student : There’s a pencil in my bag• Teacher : Book• Student : There’s a book in my bag• Teacher : on the desk

Present day use

• This method has been scientifically discredited• It is still sometimes used in ESL classroom• It can be beneficial, but should be used in

conjuction with other methods