Improving the Linguistic Competence of Selected College Students in University-Belt Using Strategic Instructional Materials and Task-Based Learning Activities

This study determined the effectiveness of Strategic Instructional Materials (SIM) and Task-Based Learning (TBL) activities in improving the linguistic competence in Filipino of 100 selected college students from four universities in the Manila University-Belt during Academic Year 2023–2024. Employing a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design, the research focused on five core grammatical areas: Pangngalan (nouns), Panghalip (pronouns), Pandiwa (verbs), Pang-uri (adjectives), and Pang-abay (adverbs). Data were analyzed using weighted mean and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results revealed a low pre-intervention proficiency level with an overall weighted mean of 2.62, described as Below Average, indicating insufficient long-term retention of foundational grammar concepts despite prior instruction. Following the two-month intervention, overall performance improved significantly to 3.13, described as Above Average, with statistically significant gains across all content areas. Nouns, pronouns, and adverbs attained above-average proficiency; adjectives advanced to average; and verbs remained below average despite meaningful improvement. Findings confirm that combining accessible, self-paced video-based materials with context-rich, real-world language tasks effectively strengthens linguistic competence. Verbs owing to their complex aspect and focus systems require extended, targeted remediation to achieve full mastery. The study concludes that SIM and TBL are viable, high-impact interventions that address persistent foundational gaps and support the Commission on Higher Education’s goals for Filipino language proficiency in higher education.