Effectiveness of English language teaching methods and language learning skills among college students in public higher education institutions in Sulu

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English is the most widely spoken language in the world, serving as a common medium for people from different linguistic backgrounds. It is the primary or secondary language in many countries and is often used as the international language of business, diplomacy, science, and technology. Hence, there was a need for effective teaching and instructional strategy to enhance the competence of the college students. This study investigated the effectiveness of various English language teaching methods and assessed the language learning skills of college students in public higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sulu, Philippines. Quota sampling (n=200) was carried out to sample the college students from four (4) different public HEIs in Sulu. Close-ended questionnaires were administered to determine the effectiveness of three different English language teaching methods—(i) Grammar-Translation Method, (ii) Direct Method, and (iii) Audio-Lingual Method. This study also analyzed the level of English language learning competence of college students based on their (i) listening skills, (ii) speaking skills, (iii) reading skills, and (iv) writing skills. Key findings indicated that different teaching methods, namely the Grammar-Translation Method, the Direct Method, and the Audio-Lingual Method, each offered distinct advantages for language learning. In assessing the language learning skills of the students, the study found high competence across all four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Inferential analysis indicated that the effectiveness of English language teaching methods can be correlated to the language competence of college students. Further studies shall be done to determine whether the teaching methods could directly influence the language skills of students.