The Audio-Lingual Method

The Audio-Lingual Method (ALM) is a language teaching method that became popular in the mid-20th century. It is also known as the Oral Approach or the Army Method, as it was initially developed by the United States Army during World War II to train personnel in foreign languages. The method emphasizes oral skills and listening comprehension, and it is based on the principles of behaviorism.
The ALM is characterized by a focus on repetition, drilling, and memorization. Instructors model correct pronunciation and grammar, and students are expected to mimic the teacher’s language. The method emphasizes the importance of habit formation, and students are encouraged to practice new language structures until they become automatic.
The ALM typically follows a strict sequence of language learning activities, with new vocabulary and grammar structures introduced in a carefully controlled progression. Language materials are presented in aural and visual forms, such as through audio recordings and visual aids like pictures or gestures.
One of the key features of the ALM is the use of pattern drills, in which students practice a particular language pattern or structure in a repetitive manner. For example, students might practice saying “I have a red car” in various tenses and forms, such as “I will have a red car” or “He has a red car.”
Another important element of the ALM is error correction. Instructors provide immediate feedback on student errors, often using prompts and cues to help students self-correct. The emphasis on accuracy over fluency is a central feature of the ALM.
While the ALM was once a dominant approach to language teaching, it has fallen out of favor in recent years. Critics of the method argue that it focuses too heavily on memorization and drill, and that it fails to promote meaningful communication or to develop higher-order thinking skills.