HomePsychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journalvol. 43 no. 1 (2025)

A Phenomenological Study on Teachers’ Use of The 4A’s Framework in English Instruction

Lea Joy Bero-margen | Kristopher Ngilangil

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of teachers’ in using the 4A's framework for English Instruction of mainstreamed learners with special needs at Manhuyay Elementary School. Grounded in Stephen Krashen’s Input Hypothesis (“i+1".) of his Theory of Second Language Acquisition, the study employed Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method to get into the core of these teachers' lives. Analysis of interview data revealed six theme clusters, categorized into three major themes: the empowering inclusive teaching amidst challenges, fostering engagement and language development, and the transformative power of 4A’s framework. Findings showed that the framework empowers the teachers to create inclusive and engaging English instruction for mainstreamed context requiring flexibility and resourcefulness, yet they also experience personal growth and resilience. They use the 4A’s framework as an effective approach but recommends the necessity for focused support and training, collaboration with SPED, and DepEd support and fund the integration of the 4A’s Framework in mainstreamed setting for broader academic impact and adaptability.



References:

  1. Adeoye, M. A., Al-Hikmah University, Prastikawati, E. F., Abimbowo, Y. O., & Moses Adeleke Adeoye. (2024). Empowering learning: Pedagogical strategies for advancing 21st century skills and quality education. Journal of Nonformal Education, 10–21(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15294/jone.v10i1.1451
  2. Arshad, H. K., Anwar, B., & Shoaib, M. (2024). Nexus of classroom environment and English language learning skills in higher education in Pakistan. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences, 5(3), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjss.336091511
  3. Bargo, D. D., & Go, M. B. (2025). Communicative language teaching (CLT) strategies in daily lesson plans of oral communication teachers and their alignment to standards in curriculum guide. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 8(3), 89–[last page]. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt
  4. Bhandari, B. L. (2024). Challenges of teaching and learning writing skills in Nepalese English classes. Tribhuvan University Journal, 39(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.3126/tuj.v39i1.66667
  5. Bilgiç, E., & Tekin, A. (2023). All we can do is trial and error: English language teachers’ inclusive practice experiences. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 5(4. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202324728
  6. Briones, L. M. (2020, December 7). Speech at the Philippines’ hosting of the 2020 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report. Department of Education.
  7. Brussino, O. & Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2021). Building capacity for inclusive teaching: Policies and practices to prepare all teachers for diversity and inclusion. OECD Education Working Papers (No. 256). https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/57fe6a38
  8. Chahboun, S., Wahl, H. T., Langner, J., & Vaags, A. (2024). Developmental language disorders and special educational needs: Consideration of inclusion in the Norwegian school context. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1436298
  9. Daif-Allah, A. S., & Aljumah, F. H. (2020). Developing the English language teaching skills of Saudi teachers of young learners. English Language Teaching, 13(3), 20. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v13n3p20Duterte, S. (2023, May 19). Speech at the DepEd Language and Inclusion Summit. Department of Education.
  10. Duterte-https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2019-12-31/philippines-president-signs-executive-order-on-diversity-and-inclusion-program-in-government-entities/#:~:text=31%2C%202019)%20On%20December%2019,the%20discrimination%20of%20individuals%20in
  11. Fahmi, M., Pratama, H., & Rustipa, K. (2024). Teachers’ challenges in teaching English to students with special needs. English Education Journal, 394–404. htp://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/index.php/eej
  12. Farooqui, A. (2023). Writing assignments difficulties, factors, and solutions: ESL teachers’ perspectives. Arab World English Journal, 14(4), 358–371. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no4.22
  13. Flecha, R., Molina Roldán, S., Marauri, J., & Aubert, A. (2021). How inclusive interactive learning environments benefit students without special needs. Frontiers in Psychology [Journal-article]. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.661427
  14. Florian, L., & Black-Hawkins, K. (2011). Exploring inclusive pedagogy. British Educational Research Journal, 37(5), 813–828. https://doi.org/10.1080/01411926.2010.501096
  15. García-Carrión, R., Sánchez, A., & Flores, M. A. (2021). How inclusive interactive learning environments benefit students with and without special educational needs: A qualitative study in mainstream schools. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 661427. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.661427
  16. Gusho, L., & Goci, R. (2023). The importance of teachers training in relation to the socialization of children with special education needs in the mainstream classrooms. Athens Journal of Education, 10(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.30958/aje.X-Y-Z
  17. Insorio, A. O. (2024). Addressing student diversity to improve mathematics achievement through differentiated instruction. International Journal of Professional Development Learners and Learning, 6(1), ep2406. https://doi.org/10.30935/ijpdll/14462
  18. Jardinez, M. J., & Natividad, L. R. (2024). The advantages and challenges of inclusive education: Striving for equity in the classroom. Shanlax International Journal of Education (Vol. 12, Issue 2, pp. 57–65). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1421555.pdf
  19. Kurniastuti, I., Evanjeli, L. A., & Sari, D. P. (2023). Teachers’ challenges and strategies in teaching literacy skills for children with special needs. Jurnal Obsesi Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(1), 937–948. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i1.3598
  20. Kurowski, M., Černý, M., & Trapl, F. (2022). A review study of research articles on the barriers to inclusive education in primary schools. Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, 15(2), 116–130. https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2022.150206
  21. Lightbown, P. M. (2017). The role of teacher mediation in second language acquisition in inclusive settings. In M. J. VanPatten & R. M. Lee (Eds.), Theories in second language acquisition: An introduction to understanding language and education (pp. 345-360). Routledge.
  22. Maharaja, A., Huang, X., & Rehman, N. (2024). The role of teachers and administrators in supporting the adaptation of students with special needs in mainstream high schools. Deleted Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/qea-06-2024-0054
  23. Masongsong, J. M., Lopres, J. R., Aguirre, M. M., Lopres, G. M., Enriquez, D. M., Bautista, F. B., Niadas, G. Y., & Virtusio, J. D. T. (2023). Level of teachers’ training in inclusive education and their sense of efficacy. International Journal of Science and Management Studies (IJSMS), 70–87. https://doi.org/10.51386/25815946/ijsms-v6i5p108
  24. Molina Roldán, S., Marauri, J., Aubert, A., & Flecha, R. (2021). How inclusive interactive learning environments benefit students without special needs. Frontiers in Psychology [Journal-article]. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.661427
  25. My EnglishPages. (2024). The 4As lesson plan: Activity, analysis, abstraction, application. https://www.myenglishpages.com/4as-lesson-plan-in-language-teaching/
  26. Nyawose, S. N. (2022). Challenges faced by English second language learners when writing in English. University of KwaZulu-Natal. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388382342
  27. Ranken, E., Wyse, D., Manyukhina, Y., & Bradbury, A. (2024). The effect of experiential learning on academic achievement of children aged 4–14: A rapid evidence assessment. The Curriculum Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/curj.304
  28. Rath, D. R., & Rock, C. R. (2021). Applying Kolb’s experiential learning framework to investigate the safety of energy drinks in a critical thinking general education course. Journal of Food Science Education, 20(4), 228–237. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4329.12229
  29. Rhalmi, M. (2024, June 17). Discover the 4As lesson plan: Empowering student-centered learning (With examples). My English Pages. https://www.myenglishpages.com/4as-lesson-plan-in-language-teaching/#1-activity
  30. Spies, T. G. (2023). The forgotten language skill: Finding a prominent place for listening in meaningful programming for multilingual learners with learning disabilities. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1214535
  31. Strnadová, I., Danker, J., Dowse, L., & Tso, M. (2023). Supporting students with disability to improve academic, social and emotional, and self-determination and life-skills outcomes: Umbrella review of evidence-based practices. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2023.2221239
  32. Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners (2nd ed.). ASCD.
  33. UNESCO. (2017). A guide for ensuring inclusion and equity in education. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000248254
  34. Valera, A. O. T. (2024). Learning dynamics and adaptations of learners with special educational needs (LSENs) in English language teaching in inclusive classrooms. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 7(9), 4297-4305. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v7-i09-21
  35. djaja, M., Apriliyanti, D. L., & IKIP Siliwangi. (2022). Enhancing English speaking skills for elementary learners through role play: Challenges and opportunities. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education, 5(5), 926).
  36. Woodcock, S., & Anderson, J. (2024). Conceptions to classrooms: The influence of teacher knowledge on inclusive classroom practice. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 8, 100412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2024.100412
  37. Zhang, H., Yang, J., & Liu, Z. (2024). Effect of teachers’ teaching strategies on students’ learning engagement: Moderated mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1475048