Enhancing University Learners’ Mastery of Present and Past Tenses through the Focused Divided Verb Teaching Method

This study examines the effectiveness of the Focused Divided Verb Teaching Method in improving first-year university students’ proficiency in using present and past tenses accurately. The research was conducted with 80 students at Ganja State University, Ganja City, Azerbaijan, employing a combination of pre-tests, targeted instruction, and post-tests to assess grammatical development. Results indicated substantial progress, with 28 students achieving over 70% accuracy in verb usage by the conclusion of the study. Participants reported that this method offered clearer and more effective guidance than traditional teaching techniques, particularly in distinguishing between main and helping verbs. Furthermore, significant enhancements were observed in both speaking and writing abilities, linked to a deeper understanding of tense application. The findings highlight the method’s potential to advance English grammar competence, providing valuable insights for pedagogical strategies in higher education, especially within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs.