Submitted:
13 April 2025
Posted:
15 April 2025
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Abstract
Keywords:
I. Introduction
![]() Source: Copilot, 2025. |
- Develop a Comprehensive Taxonomic Framework—By integrating Bloom’s cognitive taxonomy, lexical learning, cognitive theories, and TBLT, this study aims to establish a cohesive instructional model that enhances structured lesson planning and holistic language acquisition.
- Advance Empirical Research and Assessment Strategies—The study seeks to provide data-driven insights into the effectiveness of taxonomy-based ELT, addressing gaps in empirical research while proposing taxonomy-aligned assessment methods to accurately measure student progress.
- Adapt and Innovate Taxonomies for Blended Learning—By customizing taxonomy applications for multilingual classrooms and incorporating digital and AI-assisted instruction, this study aims to modernize teaching approaches to better fit flexible learning environments, particularly at SMCII.
- How do educators perceive the challenges of integrating multiple taxonomies in ELT, and what strategies can be used to create a more cohesive instructional framework?
- What are the key factors contributing to the limited empirical studies on taxonomy-driven instruction, and how can future research address these gaps effectively?
- How do multilingual learners respond to taxonomy-based approaches in ELT, and what adaptations can be made to better accommodate diverse linguistic backgrounds?
- What challenges do educators face in categorizing and sequencing tasks within Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) without a structured taxonomy, and how might a standardized framework improve implementation?
- How can digital and AI-driven applications enhance the alignment of taxonomy-based assessments in ELT, and what are the implications for student learning outcomes?
II. Theoretical Framework
III. Review of Related Literature
IV. Methods
- Books, Articles, and CHED Documents: Only documents and publications from 2015 to 2025 were included. This timeframe ensures that the study reflects the current educational landscape in the Philippines, particularly the influence of flexible learning models, digital tools, and competency-based frameworks in language instruction. These documents were carefully selected to ensure they are relevant and up-to-date, providing insights into the taxonomy-driven ELT frameworks promoted by CHED.
- Participants: The study focused on 20 participants from SMCII, consisting of both educators and students from the College of Arts and Sciences. Participants were purposively selected based on their involvement in teaching or learning English using taxonomic approaches. This selection ensures that those interviewed are best positioned to provide meaningful insights into the use of taxonomies in the classroom (Phellas, Bloch, & Seale, 2020). In addition, curriculum experts and educators with experience in taxonomy-based teaching were included to provide additional perspectives.
- Data Saturation: Data saturation was achieved once no new themes emerged from the interviews and observations. As the study progressed and patterns began to repeat across different data sources, it was clear that data saturation had been reached, ensuring the reliability and depth of the findings (Braun & Clarke, 2021). This process confirmed that the sample size was sufficient to capture the full range of experiences and insights relevant to the research questions.
V. Results
- A.
- Summarized results of the five research questions:
- B.
- Integration of Multiple Taxonomies in ELT
- C.
- Challenges in Implementing Taxonomy-Based Instruction
- D.
- Practical Applications in Higher Education
- E.
- Thematic analysis
| Theme | Illustrative Quotes | Findings & Insights | Implications & Theoretical Support |
| Cognitive Load & Task Complexity | "When I juggle multiple learning tasks, I find it easier to make connections, but too much at once makes it overwhelming." (P-3, Teacher) | Managing multiple tasks enhances cognitive engagement but requires careful scaffolding to prevent overload. | Cognitive Load Theory emphasizes that excessive cognitive demands can hinder learning. Proper scaffolding and sequencing of tasks reduce extraneous load, allowing learners to focus on meaningful processing. |
| Lexical Acquisition through Task-Based Learning | "I remember words better when I use them in conversations instead of just memorizing them." (P-8, Student) | Real-world tasks promote vocabulary retention and active language use. | Lexical Priming Theory suggests that repeated exposure to words in meaningful contexts strengthens recall and fluency. Task-based learning aligns with this principle by embedding vocabulary in authentic communication. |
| Bloom’s Taxonomy in Hybrid Classrooms | "I like structured lessons, but sometimes I need creative freedom to really understand a concept." (P-14, Teacher) | Digital tools can reinforce hierarchical learning, but flexibility is essential in blended settings. | Constructivist Learning Theory advocates for active knowledge construction. Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a structured framework for cognitive development, but blended learning requires adaptive strategies. |
| Cognitive Strategies for Language Retention | "I find it easier to remember new words when I connect them to things I already know." (P-9, Student) | Memory-enhancing techniques like retrieval practice improve long-term retention. | Cognitive Load Theory supports retrieval-based learning, as recalling information strengthens neural connections and reduces cognitive strain over time. |
| Scaffolding Strategies in Lexical & Cognitive Development | "I build students' confidence by starting with simple tasks before guiding them toward more complex ones." (P-20, Teacher) | Gradual layering of linguistic tasks builds confidence and fluency. | Constructivist Learning Theory highlights the importance of scaffolding in learning. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) suggests that learners benefit from structured support until they achieve independence. |
| Task-Based Learning & Higher-Order Thinking | "I learn best when I apply what I'm studying to real-life situations instead of just reading about it." (P-11, Student) | Complex tasks develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. | Communicative Competence Theory emphasizes that language learning should go beyond grammar and vocabulary to include strategic competence—the ability to use language effectively in real-world situations. |
| Blended Learning & Personalized Instruction | "I like being able to learn at my own pace—it helps me process information better." (P-6, Student) | Individualized learning accommodates diverse cognitive styles. | Constructivist Learning Theory supports personalized learning, where students actively construct knowledge based on prior experiences and cognitive preferences. |
| Gamification & Cognitive Engagement | "I stay more focused when lessons feel like a challenge or a game." (P-18, Student) | Interactive learning improves motivation and focus in ELT. | Cognitive Load Theory suggests that gamification reduces cognitive strain by making learning engaging and intuitive. |
| Lexical Frequency & Vocabulary Retention | "I’ve noticed that when I hear a word often in different situations, I start using it naturally." (P-12, Student) | Repeated exposure to vocabulary in meaningful contexts strengthens recall. | Lexical Priming Theory states that frequent encounters with words in varied contexts enhance automatic recall and fluency. |
| Assessing Cognitive & Lexical Growth in ELT | "I think language tests should measure how I use words in conversation, not just how well I memorize them." (P-16, Student) | Effective assessment integrates qualitative and quantitative indicators. | Communicative Competence Theory highlights the need for performance-based assessments that evaluate linguistic proficiency in authentic communication settings. |
VI. Discussion
| Component | Key Elements | Practical Application | AI & Technology Integration | Example | Activity & Description |
| Bloom’s Taxonomy (Cognitive Progression) | Structured cognitive stages from recall to advanced reasoning. | Guides learners from memorization to critical thinking through scaffolded instruction. | AI-powered adaptive learning platforms adjust tasks based on cognitive progression. | Using Bloom’s levels to structure English lessons (e.g., moving from word recall to debating topics). | Taxonomy Ladder: Students analyze a short text and progressively perform recall, interpretation, application, evaluation, and creative response. Link: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/resources/teaching-tips/blooms-taxonomy-learning-activities-and-assessments |
| Lexical Taxonomy (Vocabulary Acquisition) | Frequency-based exposure, semantic grouping, morphological analysis, and collocation patterns. | Organizes vocabulary learning for systematic retention and deeper contextual understanding. | AI-driven text analysis tools highlight common collocations and semantic relationships in real-world contexts. | Using AI-based dictionaries to analyze lexical frequency in authentic materials. | Word Clusters Challenge: AI generates theme-based vocabulary sets for students to categorize and apply in sentences. Link: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/teaching-adults/activities/intermediate-b1/lexical-approach-classroom-activities |
| Cognitive Taxonomy (Assessment Framework) | Differentiates LOTS (Lower-Order Thinking Skills) and HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills) in assessment design. | Ensures that evaluations measure cognitive development beyond memorization. | AI-enhanced quizzes and adaptive cognitive testing track learning progression. | AI-based personalized assessments that shift from factual recall to analytical reasoning. | Gamified Learning Path: AI adapts quiz difficulty based on student responses, integrating recall, analysis, and evaluation. Link: https://www.niallmcnulty.com/2025/02/how-to-integrate-blooms-taxonomy-with-generative-ai/ |
| Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) (Real-World Application) | Scaffolding through pre-task, task-phase, and post-task activities for real-life engagement. | Encourages interactive learning through problem-solving, role-playing, and collaborative tasks. | AI-powered speech recognition assists in pronunciation practice and real-time language correction. | AI generates interactive conversation scenarios for students based on real-world applications. | Simulated Dialogue: AI-powered chatbot engages students in role-playing exercises where they negotiate, request, and analyze information. Link: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications/resource-books/ai-activities-and-resources-english-language-teachers |
| Multilingual Adaptation for Inclusive ELT | Strategies for supporting diverse linguistic backgrounds in ELT classrooms. | Implements code-switching, translanguaging, and multilingual scaffolding to help learners transition across languages. | AI-driven translation tools, adaptive bilingual learning platforms, and multilingual speech recognition systems. | AI-based adaptive bilingual learning for students transitioning from L1 to English proficiency. | Multilingual Scaffolding: AI-assisted language support helps learners build comprehension by bridging concepts between native and target languages. Link: https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/blog/scaffolding-techniques-english-language-learners-part-1/ |
VII. Conclusion and Recommendations
Funding
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
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