In this research process, it is necessary to design the teaching system based on the cognitive dimension of Kaplan matrix, which is mainly to build the teaching model based on the levels of knowledge, understanding, application and analysis. At the same time, the unit of "receiving and visiting warships" in higher vocational English is taken as the main object to explore the specific application effect of Kaplan matrix. In actual teaching, it is necessary to take the syllabus as the core, strengthen process teaching and target teaching, and establish shortterm and long-term teaching objectives based on specific teaching indicators. The analytic hierarchy process is used to divide the teaching process, and information technology is applied to the teaching design process, and the specific teaching data is statistically analyzed to obtain more reliable application value of Kaplan matrix. In addition, it is necessary to divide the teaching content in detail to make it a step-by-step teaching system at different levels, and use Kaplan matrix to optimize and sort the teaching objectives to improve the teaching efficiency and quality.