Which language teaching approach is described as non-communicative and teacher-centered, focusing on drills and dialogue, sentence patterns, and vocabulary taught in sequence?

Which language teaching approach is described as non-communicative and teacher-centered, focusing on drills and dialogue, sentence patterns, and vocabulary taught in sequence?

• A. Audiolingual approach
• B. Communicative approach
• C. TPR: Total Physical Response
• D. Structured immersion

Answer: (A)

Think of a method that treats language as a set of patterns to be practiced until responses become automatic. This approach presents dialogues and sentence patterns first, with vocabulary taught in a specific, sequential order. Practice is built around repetitive drills—substitution, transformation, and routine repetition—so students imitate and respond in a controlled, predictable way. The teacher directs the pace and content, guiding correct forms and minimizing opportunities for spontaneous conversation. That emphasis on pattern-based practice, drills, and a teacher-centered pace is exactly what characterizes the audiolingual approach. As a contrast, the communicative approach centers on meaning and authentic interaction, not just pattern repetition; Total Physical Response emphasizes learning through physical action and student participation; structured immersion weaves language learning into broader content and meaning rather than isolated drills.

Think of a method that treats language as a set of patterns to be practiced until responses become automatic. This approach presents dialogues and sentence patterns first, with vocabulary taught in a specific, sequential order. Practice is built around repetitive drills—substitution, transformation, and routine repetition—so students imitate and respond in a controlled, predictable way. The teacher directs the pace and content, guiding correct forms and minimizing opportunities for spontaneous conversation. That emphasis on pattern-based practice, drills, and a teacher-centered pace is exactly what characterizes the audiolingual approach.

As a contrast, the communicative approach centers on meaning and authentic interaction, not just pattern repetition; Total Physical Response emphasizes learning through physical action and student participation; structured immersion weaves language learning into broader content and meaning rather than isolated drills.