The main disadvantage of the audiovisual approach is that it does not encourage students to continue learning since the grade achieved serves as the end of the process. Many students who were taught with the audiovisual approach, despite getting high grades, were unable to communicate or speak well. They may be able to write well, but “good” speech is not inherently something they can do years later.

The main drawback of the communicative approach to language teaching is that it is usually short, usually months. It doesn’t stop at drilling; instead, it covers the various forms of communication with contextualization, translation, and speaking skills. During the study period, various role plays and group projects can be used, but if the student does not speak and cannot speak, then the approach can be considered unsuccessful.

Therefore, the best approach may be a combination of both approaches. It can be adapted for younger students by moving closer to the audiovisual approach and the approach for older students by moving closer to the communicative approach.

Of course, the chosen approach depends on the attitudes and tendencies of the teacher. He or she may favor one approach over another and thus may implement an approach closer to his or her ideal; no matter how flawed.

The way to reduce this problem is to educate all potential teachers on the advantages and disadvantages of all approaches to teaching and learning languages. Any approach is just a style and as styles catch on, some catch on for a period and then another approach may catch on while the former approach loses its favor and number of adherents.