Audio-Lingual Method

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

1) It came when the US needed a special language training program in order to gather information from the enemies.
2) It is also called the Army Method.
3) It is based on 2 theories:
Behaviourism: It views lge as a behaviour. It states that ppl learn lges through immitation, memorization and habit formation
Structuralism: It views lge as a system of elements( Phonological, Grammatical and Lexical)
If you want to learn a lge, you must master these elements.

Question 2

Principles

Answer 2

1) Lge is for speech not writing: spoken lge is emphasized on.
2) Lge is a set of habits: Students will learn TL the same way children acquired L1. immitating, memorizing and habit formation. this method relies on dialogues to help sts speak naturally.
3) Teaching the lge not abt the lge: sts learn TL without any focus on grammar. Grammar is taught inductively and implicitly.
4) A lge is what its native speakers say not what someone else thinks they ought to say: Sts must speak TL as it is used by Native speakers. They should be natural and spontaneous.
5) Lges are different: there is no such thing as universal grammar. Each lge should be studied independently of other lges according to its own features.
6) Erros are to be avoided: Positive responses are positively reinforced. Errors are to be corrected. Errors are evidences that learning didn’t take place.

Question 3

Characteristics

Answer 3

1) No explicit Grammar
2) Vocabulary is learnt through dialogues
3) Reading and Writing are based on Oral works
4) Positive Responses are always positively reinforced.

Question 4

Advantages

Answer 4

1) It is the first method that has a theoritical background.
2) It is the first method to focus on Syntax= playing with structures.
3) It made learning accessible for all kinds of learners( poor and rich)

Question 5

Disadvantages

Answer 5

1) No creativity: Sts just repeat everything the teacher says even when they don’t understand.
2) The used techniques are tedious and repetitive and are suitable for beginners.
3) It might not work with large classrooms.

Question 6

Goals

Answer 6

To speak TL as naturally as possible

Question 7

Teacher

Answer 7

He’s like an “Orchestra Director”. He gives instructions and is responsible for giving a good model of immitation. That’s why, he should be careful when it comes to errors

Question 8

Student

Answer 8

They should mimick the teacher, follow instructions and respond as quickly as possible to questions.