Teaching Speaking and Listening Skills through Audio-Lingual Versus Conventional Methods of Instruction: Which Method Is More Effective?

Abstract

The goal of this study was to check the impact of the Audio-Lingual Method (ALM) compared to traditional training on enhancing intermediate EFL learners' listening and speaking abilities. An Oxford Quick Placement Test was given to 105 participants to meet the study's goals, and 78 participants were chosen in the end. They were then randomly assigned to the control group (CG) and the experimental group (EG). Validated listening and speaking tests were given to them as a pre-test before they began treatment. The EG subsequently started treatment, which included teaching and learning listening and speaking skills through ALM. At the same time, the CG received traditional training, which included instruction based on the teacher's instances and exercises. The two groups were given the identical listening and speaking test as the post-test after 20 sessions of treatment. In addition, after the post-test was administered, a questionnaire comprising twelve items was distributed among 15 teachers teaching at different institutes to seek their views and perspectives regarding the application of ALM in teaching listening and speaking skills. Paired and Independent Samples t-tests were used to assess the data. The results revealed that the EG outperformed the CG by a substantial margin. The EG outperformed the CGs in both skills. The findings imply that ALM may be utilized in English classes to help EFL students improve their listening and speaking abilities.