Disadvantages Of Audio Lingual Method

Introduction Audio-lingual (ALM) method has been implemented in the field of teaching second and foreign language. Hence, this essay is going to shed light on the main principles of the ALM. Furthermore, it discusses the current role of the ALM in language teaching highlighting its advantages and disadvantages as well as presenting my personal reflection on the method.

The main principles of the Audio-lingual method (ALM)

Basically, the ALM focuses on developing the aural-oral proficiency of learners through intensive drills and memorization of grammatical patterns and structure using dialogues (Larsen-Freeman, 2000). Consequently, the accurate pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation are essential in order to ensure learners proficiency

Another study which also supported Abu-Melhim 's claim was done by(Guilloteaux, 2004) to investigate classroom practice of Korean teachers in the middle and high schools .The results indicate that Korean teachers still use habit formation activities which are strongly connected to ALM method in particular the memorization of conversational routine and lexical formulaic phrases. Moreover, the participants emphasizes on the importance of introducing listening and speaking at first stage and delaying reading and writing. The study also reveals that accuracy of grammar is important and error correction is very significant in Korean EFL classrooms.

The advantages of ALM

One of the advantages as identified by (Abu-Melhim, 2009) is that the emphasize on the listening and speaking skills at the early stages results on better performance of learners in reading and writing in the later stages. Perhaps, that might be due to the great focus on accurate pronunciation, intonation and stress. Consequently, this will also help learners to recognize different uses of these features like questions, commands or statements (Abu-Melhim, 2009).

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Additionally, (Tuan & Duaan, 2010) suggested that the use of dialogues reduces stress of conversational setting from the learners. Similarly, (Larsen-Freeman, 2000) reflected that ALM is a stress-free method for learners as it is guided and controlled by the

Besides, (Demirezen, 2010) pointed out that early treatment of learners errors improves linguistic competency specifically pronunciation and phonology which may encourage learners to speak language fluently (Micarelli & Boylan, 1997).

The weaknesses of ALM On the other hand, the opponents of the ALM highlight that this method doesn 't meet the communicative needs of today 's generation (Walia, 2012). Language as stated by (Burial, 1974) is not only a set of grammatical rules lexical or phonology in which ALM concentrate on. (Brandt, 1988) mentioned that drilling hinders learners proficiency of using the language as they are not able to create speech spontaneously.

Furthermore, (Xie, 2014) pointed out that the extensive use of repetitive process of drill makes learning dull and boring. Equally, (Abu-Melhim, 2009) illustrated that the excessive use of pattern drills results in lack of motivation of the learners and as (Maleki, 2005) suggested that the loose of learners motivation affects negatively on the success of any method.

My personal Reflection