Methods and programs are disclosed for a computer-based teaching method for various subjects, including grammar. The program includes one or more lessons to test a student's skills relative to a particular subject. A database with coded information allows a computer to search the information, such as sentences and word functions provided therein. A guide for identifying the appropriate code for each respective lesson is provided such that as a student progresses through the lessons, the computer searches the database to provide the appropriate information to the student based upon the code of the information and the guide for the respective lesson. Further, the method of coding answers to a test given with the use of a computer program is discussed. Answers given by a student are compared to the correct answers located in a computer database. The program visually indicates correct answers in a first color and incorrect answers in a second color, whereby the color coding of the answers provides an easily detectable and effective means for the student and an instructor to recognize any problems the user may be having in determining the correct answers. Also, a method of coding sentences for use in an educational computer program to teach grammar is disclosed. A numeric code is created for each word function that can be used in a sentence. A respective sentence is reviewed to determine how each word functions in the structure of the sentence. Once reviewed, an appropriate numeric code is assigned to each respective word function used in the sentence, with the numeric code being entered into a database. The numeric code can be read and searched by the computer to allow the computer to recall appropriate sentences for each lesson in the education computer program.