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In addition, Brown (2007: 111) explains that the audio-

lingual method was firmly grounded in linguistics and

psychological theory.

8. The Disadvantages of the Audio-Lingual Method

According to Abu-Melhim (2009: 43) perhaps the most

important disadvantage of the audio-lingual method is that

students find it dull and tedious. It does not stimulate their

interest and soon after class begins, students find the repetitive

drills mechanical and uninteresting.

While this approach may be more interesting for children,

adult learners are rarely as enthused, and thus, show a small

degree of long-term retention. Margolis in Abu-Melhim (2009:

43) points out the audio-lingual approach results in “a lack of

student motivation” arising in large part from “pattern drills”

that have a tendency to become boring”.

Indeed, opponents see the mechanical and rote learning

process as a major disadvantage. In essence, students are not

learning to communicate spontaneously as a native speaker

would. Rather, they are memorizing set phrases and repeating

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