The Audio-Visual and Communicative Approach to Language Teaching

The main disadvantage of using the audio-visualstudents.
approach to teaching language is that it does notHow about capturing the best of both worlds? By
encourage students to brush up theirincorporating both approaches in the teaching
communication skills. It is undeniable that thisprocess, the likelihood that it is more effective
approach is indeed efficacious in producingoverall will be higher. For younger students, the
students with high grades. Notwithstanding, thisbalance is tipped in favour of the audio-visual
approach is at its disadvantage as the element ofapproach. As for older students, the balance is
speaking is missing in its teaching process. There istipped in favour of the communicative approach.
no two-way communication in this approach.Depending on a teacher's preference, he or she
On the other hand, the main disadvantage of themay favour one approach over other approaches.
communicative approach is that it is usually shortTherefore, it is essential to educate teachers on
in duration. The reason is that this approach doesthe advantages and disadvantages of all
not involve drilling. Instead, it only includes variousapproaches. This is to enable the teacher to make
ways of communication such as contextualization,the best decision as to which approach to use at
translation and speaking skills. The teachinga particular time. But, and here is the key - the
processes usually involve role plays and groupteacher should constantly remain flexible and open
projects. While it encourages communication, thisto the possibilities of using other approaches to
approach is unfruitful for uncommunicativeenhance the teaching process.