The Audiolingual Method borrowed foundational pieces from the Direct Method in an attempt to learn oral skills, which takes precedent over reading and writting(Brown & Lee, 2015). It is seen as a part-to-whole approach and was based on behavioural, linguistic, and linguistic and psychological theory of the time. The Audiolingual Method uses pronunciation drills, pattern practice, and exercises in basic conservations to practice oral skills.
Key Characteristics of the Audiolingual Method:
-Most instruction should be in target language, and should not use the first language.
-New materials are explained orally in target language, occasionally using actions.
-Emphasis is placed on grammatical sentence patterns (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
-Error free pronunciation was valued: students should practice through mimicry, memorization, and learning language patterns.
-Grammar was learned through contrastive analysis.
-Tapes, language labs, and visual aids were widely used (Brown & Lee, 2015).
A look into a classroom using the Audiolingual Method...
-Students listening to audiotape conversations in target language (Coelho, 2004).
-Students mimick dialogue while teacher assists by correcting errors in pronunciation.
-Teacher displays visual and says vocabulary, then students repeat.
-Partner or small group activities to practice conversations.
-Whole class oral pattern drills.
-Written assignments involving substitutions or transformations.
The video below shows the Audiolingual Method in a classroom.
Key Characteristics of the Audiolingual Method:
-Most instruction should be in target language, and should not use the first language.
-New materials are explained orally in target language, occasionally using actions.
-Emphasis is placed on grammatical sentence patterns (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
-Error free pronunciation was valued: students should practice through mimicry, memorization, and learning language patterns.
-Grammar was learned through contrastive analysis.
-Tapes, language labs, and visual aids were widely used (Brown & Lee, 2015).
A look into a classroom using the Audiolingual Method...
-Students listening to audiotape conversations in target language (Coelho, 2004).
-Students mimick dialogue while teacher assists by correcting errors in pronunciation.
-Teacher displays visual and says vocabulary, then students repeat.
-Partner or small group activities to practice conversations.
-Whole class oral pattern drills.
-Written assignments involving substitutions or transformations.
The video below shows the Audiolingual Method in a classroom.