The findings are significant because grammar serves as the foundation of effective English communication. Incorrect use of tenses can lead to misunderstandings in academic writing, professional communication, and everyday conversations. Although university students had already completed several grammar courses, many still struggled to distinguish similar tenses, remember complex formulas, and apply them correctly in real communication.
Why Students Turn to YouTube
Traditional grammar instruction often relies heavily on textbooks and classroom explanations. According to the researchers, many students felt that these conventional methods were too rigid and focused mainly on memorizing rules rather than understanding how tenses function in real-life situations.
As a result, students began searching for alternative learning resources outside the classroom, with YouTube emerging as their preferred platform. They reported that YouTube offers clear explanations through videos, animations, storytelling, and authentic language examples that make difficult grammar concepts easier to understand. The ability to replay lessons anytime and anywhere also allows students to learn at their own pace.
Simple Qualitative Research with Student Interviews
The research adopted a qualitative descriptive approach and was conducted over seven months, from December 2025 to June 2026, at the English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University in Baubau.
The researchers interviewed seven eighth-semester English Education students using semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences learning English tenses through YouTube.
Students' perceptions were analyzed using Walgito's Perception Theory, which examines three dimensions:
- Cognitive – what students know and believe about YouTube as a learning tool.
- Affective – how students feel while learning through YouTube.
- Conative – how students behave and use YouTube when encountering learning difficulties.
Students Report Positive Learning Experiences
Across all three dimensions, the study found overwhelmingly positive perceptions of YouTube as a grammar-learning platform.
Key findings include:
- Students said YouTube makes English tenses easier to understand through visual explanations, audio, and practical examples.
- The replay feature allows learners to review lessons repeatedly until they fully understand the material.
- Students appreciated being able to learn anytime and anywhere using their smartphones.
- The search function makes it easy to find explanations for specific grammar topics.
- Many students considered YouTube a valuable supplement when classroom explanations were insufficient.
- Some participants also used the comment section to ask questions and interact with other learners.
The researchers also found that YouTube helps students distinguish between similar tenses, understand changes in verb forms, and remember grammar patterns through simple teaching methods and real-life examples.
More Enjoyable and Independent Learning
The affective findings reveal that most participants genuinely enjoy learning grammar through YouTube.
Students described the platform as flexible, engaging, and less intimidating than traditional classroom instruction. Animated videos, different teaching styles, and practical examples made grammar lessons more enjoyable, while the freedom to choose tutors whose explanations suited their learning preferences increased motivation.
The study also showed that students have developed independent learning habits. Whenever they encounter difficult grammar topics, they immediately search YouTube for additional explanations before or after class. This proactive behavior indicates that digital learning platforms can encourage self-directed learning beyond formal education.
Implications for English Language Education
The findings suggest that YouTube can play a much larger role in English language education than simply serving as supplementary material.
For universities and educators, integrating high-quality educational videos into grammar instruction could improve student engagement and help bridge gaps left by limited classroom time.
Educational content creators may also benefit from the research by designing more structured, visually engaging, and learner-centered grammar videos that specifically address common challenges faced by English language learners.
The researchers further recommend future studies exploring the integration of YouTube with Learning Management Systems (LMS), artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted learning tools, and gamified educational platforms to examine their combined impact on grammar achievement and learner engagement.
Academic Insight
Nurul Afiska and Esa Penilta Amiruddin of Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University conclude that students perceive YouTube as more than a video-sharing platform. Based on their findings, YouTube provides clear explanations, visual demonstrations, flexibility, and repeated exposure that help students better understand English tenses while strengthening motivation and independent learning habits. This ethical paraphrase reflects the study's conclusions without reproducing the authors' wording.
Author Profile
Nurul Afiska is a researcher from the English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University, Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, whose research focuses on English language education and digital learning media. The journal does not specify an academic degree.
Esa Penilta Amiruddin is a researcher from the English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University, Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Based on the journal, the author's expertise relates to English language education, although no academic degree is provided.
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