The Audio-Lingual Method was a foreign language teaching method that emphasized speaking and listening skills through repetitive drills and exercises. It was influenced by behaviorist learning theory and structural linguistics. Key aspects included:
- Using dialogs as the primary method of presenting language and drilling techniques to practice.
- Prioritizing speaking skills over reading and writing. Mother tongue was discouraged.
- Syllabi based on linguistic structures and vocabulary presented in a step-by-step manner.
- The teacher controlled learning through drills while students played a reactive role responding to stimuli. Accuracy of repetition was emphasized over fluency or creative language use.