English Teaching Methods: Audiolingual Method

Audiolingual Method

• Developed by Charles Fries in 1945, integrating structural linguistics and behavioral psychology principles.
• Targets the use of grammatical sentence patterns through intensive drills.
• Learners condition new habits to replace native language patterns.
• Emphasizes language elements’ relationships, studied synchronically rather than diachronically.
• Linguistic signs consist of a signifier (sound pattern) and a signified (concept/meaning).

Behaviorism

• B.F. Skinner, known as the father of Operant Conditioning.
• Concepts include neutral operants, reinforcers (positive/negative), and punishers in shaping behavior.
• Pleasant consequences increase behavior likelihood; unpleasant consequences decrease it.
• Foundational experiments conducted using a "Skinner Box" with animals.

Comparison with Other Methods

• Similarities with the Direct Method, both reject the Grammar Translation method and mother tongue use.
• Both emphasize speaking and listening over reading and writing.
• Direct Method prioritizes vocabulary teaching; Audiolingual Approach focuses on grammar drills.

Objectives of the Audiolingual Method

• Aims for accurate pronunciation, grammar, quick and accurate speech response, and vocabulary sufficient for grammatical patterns.
• Mastery of language structure is seen as crucial for student success.

Teacher and Student Roles

• Teacher: Directs and manages student language behavior; serves as a role model.
• Students: Imitate the teacher, follow instructions, and respond quickly and accurately.

Teaching/Learning Process Characteristics

• Vocabulary and structural patterns introduced via dialogues, learned through imitation and repetition.
• Drills reinforce language patterns derived from dialogues.
• Successful student responses receive positive reinforcement; grammar is inferred from examples.
• Cultural context is embedded in dialogues or presented by the teacher.
• Reading and writing activities stem from dialogue content.

Classroom Interaction

• Teacher initiates and predominantly controls interactions, with most between teacher and students.
• Student-to-student interaction occurs through chain drills and role-playing activities.

This quiz explores the Audiolingual Method of English teaching, highlighting the theoretical foundations provided by structural linguistics and behavioral psychology. Developed by Charles Fries in 1945, this method employs drills to reinforce grammatical patterns through conditioning techniques.