E-Learning During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Effect of the Grammar Translation Method and the Direct Method on Students’ English Competence

E-learning has been encouraged for usage during COVID-19, and this leaves problems with students’ learning activities, particularly in social and economic aspects. Applying appropriate teaching methods is expected, which motivates students to learn virtually. This paper studies the effect of the grammar translation method and the direct method on students’ English competence; the e-learning uses electronic tools with communication applications, such as Zoom and Google Classroom. The data were collected by questionnaires distributed to 100 students, of which 95 questionnaires were analyzable. The data were analyzed by path analysis via Microsoft SPSS version 21. The findings are as follows: 1) The grammar translation method has a significant direct effect on competence, contributing 27.7% to students’ English competence. The mediating role of Google Classroom has no contribution to the effect of the grammar translation method on students’ English competence. 2) The direct method has an indirect effect on students’ English competence, when utilized with the mediation of electronic tools that provide the Zoom application.