Audio-lingualism ( and behaviorism)went out of fashion because commentators from all sides argued that language learning was far more subtle than just the formation of habits. For example, students are soon able to say things they have never heard or practised before because all humans have the power to be creative in language based on the underlying knowledge they have acquired-including rules of construction , and a knowledge of when a certain kind or form of language is appropriate.
Methodologists were also concerned that in audio-lingualism students were not exposed to real or realistic language.
However, it is interesting to note that drilling is still popular ( in a far more limited way) during the Study phase, especially for low-level students- as some of the examples in chapter 6 will show.