Incidental FonF in Adult EFL Classrooms - Participation Structure and Learner Uptake -

Incidental FonF in Adult EFL Classrooms - Participation Structure and Learner Uptake -

The present study investigated the distribution of incidental focus on form (FonF) occurring in intact EFL classrooms and its relationship with the participation structure (i.e., whole class/small group/one-on-one interactions) and learner uptake (successful uptake vs. unsuccessful uptake) across the types of FonF (reactive vs. preemptive FonF) and participation structure. The data from eleven hours of communicative lessons from five classes were analyzed according to the types of incidental FonF, participation structures, and learner uptake. The study found that reactive FonF took place more frequently than preemptive FonF in small group and one-on-one interactions while they occurred at a similar rate in whole class interactions. In addition, during whole class interactions, teachers and students initiated FonF at a similar rate, but, during small group and individual interactions, a majority of FonF was generated by students. When learner uptake was considered, students responded more successfully to preemptive FonF, especially FonF generated by themselves in all participation structures. However, in the case of reactive FonF, unsuccessful uptake took place more frequently than successful uptake in whole class interactions, whereas more successful uptake was observed than unsuccessful uptake in small group and one-on-one interactions. These results provided insights into the role of participation structure as an important mediator influencing the provision of FonF and the quality and quantity of uptake, which may eventually affect the opportunities for L2 development.