The DOI matches its Crossref record; 51 of the 52 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
INCIDENTAL FOCUS ON FORM AND SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
Abstract
Incidental focus on form overtly draws learners' attention to linguistic items as they arise spontaneously—without prior planning—in meaning-focused interaction. This study examined the effectiveness of incidental focus on form in promoting second language (L2) learning. Seventeen hours of naturally occurring, meaning-focused L2 lessons were observed in 12 different classes of young adults in a private language school in Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 491 focus-on-form episodes (FFEs) were identified and used as a basis for individualized test items in which participants who participated in specific FFEs were asked to recall the linguistic information provided in them. The results revealed that learners were able to recall the targeted linguistic information correctly or partially correctly nearly 60% of the time 1 day after the FFE, and 50% of the time 2 weeks later. Furthermore, successful uptake in a FFE was found to be a significant predictor of correct test scores. These results suggest that incidental focus on form might be beneficial to learners, particularly if they incorporate the targeted linguistic items into their own production.This research was supported, in part, by a scholarship from the Foundation for Science, Research, and Technology, New Zealand. The author would like to thank the teachers and participants who kindly gave of their time to participate in this study. The author would also like to thank Rod Ellis, Catherine Elder, Helen Basturkmen, Rosemary…
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“Successful uptake, of course, cannot be equated with acquisition but in another study Loewen (2005) reported that successful uptake was the most significant variable predicting learning as measured in tailor-made tests of those linguistic forms that were addressed during the FFEs.”
From Position paper: Moving task-based language teaching forward (2017) · cites this paper as Loewen (2005)
In the citing paper
“Even speaking tasks can be conducted through teacher-class interaction, as illustrated in Ellis, Basturkmen and Loewen (2001) and Loewen (2005).”
From Position paper: Moving task-based language teaching forward (2017) · cites this paper as Loewen (2005)
In the citing paper
“While incidental focus on form does promote L2 learning (Loewen 2005), learning of different linguistic features can be facilitated by providing learners with focused tasks.”
From Interaction and instructed second language acquisition (2018) · cites this paper as Loewen 2005
In the citing paper
“This is what studies of uptake have done (e.g.Ellis et al. 2001a;Loewen 2005) when they have looked at how learners responded to corrective feedback that was provided during meaning-focused interaction.”
From Interaction and instructed second language acquisition (2018) · cites this paper as Loewen 2005
In the citing paper
“Studies by J. Williams (2001) and Loewen (2005) provide evidence that this happens with some frequency in task-based interactions and can lead to learning.”
From Focus on form: A critical review (2016) · cites this paper as Loewen (2005)
In the citing paper
“Both focus on form initiated by learners in learner-learner interaction and by teachers in whole-class interaction benefit acquisition (J.Williams, 2001;Loewen, 2005).”
From Focus on form: A critical review (2016) · cites this paper as Loewen, 2005
Citations
Cites
(1990) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.27-3338 · Cited by 35,305
The Role of Consciousness in Second Language Learning1
SCHMIDT, R. W. (1990) · Applied Linguistics · doi:10.1093/applin/11.2.129 · Cited by 5,435 · cited 1×
“…that might otherwise go unnoticed in entirely meaning-focused lessons ~Ellis et al+, 2001a; Schmidt, 2001; Skehan, 1998!+ In addition to its ability to help induce noticing of linguistic items in the input—which is argued to be essential for L2 development ~Gass, 1997; Schmidt, 1990, 1995, 2001!”
BackgroundApproaches and Methods in Language Teaching
Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2001) · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511667305 · Cited by 4,414
The Role of the Linguistic Environment in Second Language Acquisition
Long, M. H. (1996) · Handbook of Second Language Acquisition · doi:10.1016/b978-012589042-7/50015-3 · Cited by 3,927
A Cognitive Approach to Language Learning
Garcia, P., & Skehan, P. (1999) · TESOL Quarterly · doi:10.2307/3587891 · Cited by 3,489
(1985) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 3,037
CORRECTIVE FEEDBACK AND LEARNER UPTAKE: Negotiation of Form in Communicative Classrooms
Lyster, R., & Ranta, L. (1997) · Studies in Second Language Acquisition · doi:10.1017/s0272263197001034 · Cited by 2,629 · cited 3×
“…Broadly, this response can consist of either the provision or elicitation of linguistic information ~Ellis et al+, 2001a, 2001b; Lyster, 1998a, 1998b; Lyster & Ranta, 1997!+ Within these broad response categories are specific types of response moves+ For example, the provision of linguistic…”
BackgroundResult(1998) · Cited by 2,572
KENYON, D. M., Bachman, L. F., & Palmer, A. S. (1998) · Modern Language Journal · doi:10.2307/328718 · Cited by 2,323
Cognition and Second Language Instruction
Robinson, P. J. (2001) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9781139524780 · Cited by 1,776
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 201–300 of 381
Feedback and uptake in videoconferences for online intercultural exchange
Feng, R., Xiu-hong, S., Hu, S., & Yu, Y. (2021) · Journal of virtual exchange · doi:10.21827/jve.4.37159 · Cited by 4
Digital Media in the Language Classroom
Erlam, R., Philp, J., & Feick, D. (2021) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108869812.008 · Cited by 5
Yamashita, T. (2018) · Computer Assisted Language Learning · doi:10.1080/09588221.2018.1488736 · Cited by 5
de la Cruz, A. A. (2021) · Latin American Journal of Content and Language Integrated Learning · doi:10.5294/laclil.2020.13.2.4 · Cited by 5
Keshanchi, E., Pourdana, N., & Khalili, G. F. (2022) · English Teaching & Learning · doi:10.1007/s42321-022-00113-w · Cited by 5
The Interface of Error Types, Teacher’s Feedback, and Students’ Uptake
Zoghi, A., & Nikoopour, J. (2013) · International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature · doi:10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.3n.1p.54 · Cited by 4
Yousefi, M. H., & Biria, R. (2011) · Cited by 4
A conversation-analytic study of word searches in EFL classrooms
Lin, F. (2014) · Cited by 4
Vocabulary development through reading: A comparison of approaches
Boutorwick, T. (2017) · doi:10.26686/wgtn.17060540.v1 · Cited by 4
5. Evaluating and adapting existing materials
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.05ch5 · Cited by 3
Chapter 5. Get it right in the end
Li, Q. (2014) · Task-based language teaching · doi:10.1075/tblt.5.05qia · Cited by 3
Cognitive-Interactionist Perspectives
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.006 · Cited by 3
Focus-on-Form and L2 learning in Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication
Kung, W.-T., & Eslami, Z. R. (2018) · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-5140-9.ch006 · Cited by 3
Luquin, M., & Roothooft, H. (2019) · Elia · doi:10.12795/elia.2019.i19.03 · Cited by 3
The Effects of Oral Incidental Focus on Form on Developing Vocabulary Knowledge
Pouresmaeil, A., & Gholam, J. (2023) · Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language--TESL-EJ · doi:10.55593/ej.26104a1 · Cited by 4
Marzuki, M. J. (2022) · EDULANGUE · doi:10.20414/edulangue.v5i1.5109 · Cited by 3
Training Learners to Negotiate for Meaning: An Exploratory Case Study
Fujii, A., Obata, M., Takahashi, S., & Tanabe, S. (2008) · doi:10.34577/00002591 · Cited by 3
Alastuey, M. C. B. (2012) · Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.02.009 · Cited by 3
Recasts, Modified Output and L2 Development: A Case of Persian EFL Learners
Rassaei, E., Moinzadeh, A., & Youhanaee, M. (2012) · English Language and Literature Studies · doi:10.5539/ells.v2n1p100 · Cited by 3
Extensive Focus on Form Through Text-based Online Chat for Korean College Students
조영우 (2009) · English Teaching · doi:10.15858/engtea.64.4.200912.43 · Cited by 3
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.012 · Cited by 3
Gestures, Corrective Feedback, and Second Language Development
Nakatsukasa, K. (2021) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108589789.013 · Cited by 3
Using Skype to Focus on Form in Japanese Telecollaboration
Akiyama, Y. (2018) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-7663-1.ch029 · Cited by 3
Simard, D. (2018) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118784235.eelt0072 · Cited by 3
L2 Learners' Attitudes to English Vocabulary Learning Strategies
Li, Y. (2009) · Högskolan Kristianstad Publikationer · Cited by 3
Asari, Y. (2015) · Cited by 2
Evaluating Task-Based Language Teaching
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.017 · Cited by 2
The Adolescent Language Learner: Setting the Scene
Erlam, R., Philp, J., & Feick, D. (2021) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108869812.002 · Cited by 3
Opportunities for Language Output
Erlam, R., Philp, J., & Feick, D. (2021) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108869812.005 · Cited by 2
English Medium Instruction in South Korea
Hong, J., & Baştürkmen, H. (2024) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781003384748 · Cited by 2
Digital Literacies and Generational Micro-Cultures: Email Feedback in Lebanon
Coursey, C. D., & Dandashly, N. A. (2015) · English Language Teaching · doi:10.5539/elt.v8n11p216 · Cited by 2
Learner Uptake and Perception of Recasts
Kim, J. H. (2011) · English Teaching · doi:10.15858/engtea.66.2.201106.3 · Cited by 2
The Pedagogic Background to Task-Based Language Teaching
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.004 · Cited by 3
Hughes, L. S. (2023) · Technology in Language Teaching & Learning · doi:10.29140/tltl.v5n1.1045 · Cited by 2
Negotiated interactions in cross-cultural video-mediated virtual exchanges
Tecedor, M. (2023) · Computer Assisted Language Learning · doi:10.1080/09588221.2023.2248192 · Cited by 2
Theorizing EFL Teachers’ Perspectives and Rationales on Providing Corrective Feedback
Ostovar‐Namaghi, S. A., & Shakiba, K. (2015) · The Qualitative Report · doi:10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2140 · Cited by 2
The Impact of Reduction Recasts on the Improvement of EFL Learners’ Speaking Ability
Aminzadeh, R., & Maleki, S. E. (2010) · Journal of English Language Studies · Cited by 2
Perez-Nunez, A. B. (2015) · Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) · Cited by 2
van Batenburg, E. S. L., Oostdam, R., van Gelderen, A. J. S., Fukkink, R. G., & de Jong, N. H. (2019) · ITL Review of Applied Linguistics · doi:10.1075/itl.18027.van · Cited by 2
Icelandic as a second language: university students’ experiences
Benediktsson, A. I., & Ragnarsdóttir, H. (2020) · Tímarit um uppeldi og menntun · doi:10.24270/tuuom.2020.29.1 · Cited by 2
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.007 · Cited by 2
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.008 · Cited by 3
Ragni, V. (2020) · Benjamins current topics · doi:10.1075/bct.111.ttmc.00002.rag · Cited by 3
Teng, X. (2015) · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · doi:10.31274/etd-180810-4484 · Cited by 2
An Explanation of the Effectiveness of Written Corrective Feedback in Second-Language Acquisition
Wagner, J. P. (2016) · doi:10.13021/mars/5235 · Cited by 2
Goo, J. (2018) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118784235.eelt0099 · Cited by 2
Atanassova, G. (2012) · DigitalGeorgetown (Georgetown University Library) · Cited by 2
Acquisition of Form-Meaning Mapping in L2 Arabic and English Noun Phrases: A Bidirectional Framework
Azaz, M. (2014) · UA Campus Repository (The University of Arizona) · Cited by 2
Integration of language in English medium instruction science classes: a focus on form analysis
An, J. (2026) · Language and Education · doi:10.1080/09500782.2026.2671149 · Cited by 1
The Typology, Characteristics and Distribution of Focus on Form Episodes (FFEs) in an EFL Context
Shamsudin, S., Karim, H. R., & Hamzah, M. (2012) · Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.11.295 · Cited by 1
Najafi, M. R., & Arshad, Z. (2014) · Theory and Practice in Language Studies · doi:10.4304/tpls.4.5.949-957 · Cited by 1
Incidental FonF in Adult EFL Classrooms - Participation Structure and Learner Uptake -
Kim, J. (2015) · 교과교육학연구 · doi:10.24231/rici.2015.19.2.341 · Cited by 1
6. Investigating grammar use through online corpora
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.06ch6 · Cited by 1
The effects of recasts on the acquisition of past tense
Rhee, & HyeonJeong (2012) · 초등영어교육 · Cited by 1
Task-Based Testing and Assessment
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.014 · Cited by 2
Kung, W.-T., & Eslami, Z. R. (2018) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-7663-1.ch072 · Cited by 1
EFL Classroom Repair Strategies By An English Non-Native Teacher To Tertiary Students In The UAE
Mahmoud, E. (2023) · Emirati Journal of Education and Literature · doi:10.54878/8kp2nk50 · Cited by 1
Mohamed, A. (2012) · Cited by 1
How to Focus on Form in Our Classes
Nejadansari, D., & Ahmadvand, M. (2012) · World Journal of English Language · doi:10.5430/wjel.v2n1p69 · Cited by 1
Language Play: Implications for the Second-Language Learner
Tarpey, T. E. (2007) · doi:10.7916/d83n2fxr · Cited by 1
Interaction and phonetic form in task completion
Solon, M. (2017) · AILA applied linguistics series · doi:10.1075/aals.16.06sol · Cited by 1
THE FACTORS SHAPING K-12 ESL TEACHERS’ THINKING ABOUT FORM-FOCUSED INSTRUCTION
Budak, S., & Reeves, J. R. (2015) · Journal of Second Language Acquisition and Teaching · Cited by 1
Negotiation of Meaning and Corrective Feedback in Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Interactions
Ribeiro, A. (2018) · Cited by 1
Ghaedrahmat, M., Mohammadnia, Z., & Gholami, J. (2019) · Iranian Journal of English for Academic Purposes · Cited by 1
Corrective Feedback and EFL Learning Style
Samie, S. (2021) · Addaiyan Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences · doi:10.36099/ajahss.2.10.6 · Cited by 1
Questions, Challenges and the Future
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.020 · Cited by 1
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.011 · Cited by 1
THE ROLE OF FORM-FOCUSED INSTRUCTION: LEARNER INVESTMENT IN L2 COMMUNICATION
Tomita, Y. (2011) · TSpace (University of Toronto) · Cited by 1
Kung, W.-T. (2009) · OakTrust (Texas A&M University Libraries) · Cited by 1
Mickel, K. (2016) · Louisiana State University · doi:10.31390/gradschool_theses.2520 · Cited by 1
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Task-based language teaching · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.002 · Cited by 1
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.003 · Cited by 3
Test-Taking Processes for Banked Cloze Tests: Implications for Vocabulary Acquisition
Xu, Y. (2010) · Högskolan Kristianstad Publikationer · Cited by 1
Loewen, S., Tuzcu, A., & Philp, J. (2023) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781394259670.ch1 · Cited by 2
Self-citationBudak, S. (2013) · Lincoln (University of Nebraska)
Ellis, R. (2012) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118271643.ch3
Measuring the Effectiveness of Second Language Instruction in Research
Polio, C. G. (2012) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0756
The effectiveness of recasts in L2 questions development
Nichols, K. M. (2009) · Tuwhera (Auckland University of Technology)
GRAMMAR INSTRUCTION IN THE ESL COMPOSITION CLASSROOM: NAVIGATING THE DIFFICULTIES OF INTEGRATION
Padrick, K. R. (2014) · California State University ScholarWorks (system-wide DSpace)
"Something for Linguists": On-the-fly Grammar Instruction in a Dutch as Foreign Language Classroom
Moore, L. C., & Park, S. H. (2014) · L2 Journal · doi:10.5070/l26119520
Park, J.-B. (2014) · Texas ScholarWorks (Texas Digital Library)
Measuring the Effectiveness of Preemptive Focus on Form through Uptake Sheets
Gholami, J., & Bassirian, M. (2011) · Applied Linguistics
Applied Linguistics and Language Acquisition in Multilingual Contexts
Soler, E. A., Miralpeix, I., Sánchez, L., & Strunk, O. (2009)
THE ROLE OF RECAST AND UPTAKE IN ESL TEACHER-LEARNER CONVERSATIONS
Razali, S. M. C., Razawi, N. A., & Razlan, R. M. (2015) · Malaysian Journal of Languages and Linguistics (MJLL) · doi:10.24200/mjll.vol4iss2pp16-31
The acquisition of gender agreement in L3 English by Basque/Spanish bilinguals
Imaz, A., & Mayo, M. D. P. G. (2011) · PsycEXTRA Dataset · doi:10.1037/e512592013-690
Capturing Effective Teaching: The Construct of an Observation Scheme
Ellis, M. (2016) · Second language learning and teaching · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-30373-4_5
4. The lexis-grammar interface
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.04ch4
9. Designing grammar-focused communication tasks
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.09ch9
11. Reflections and suggestions for further study
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.11ch11
10. Assessing grammar within a framework of communicative competence
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.10ch10
7. The dynamic nature of L2 learner language
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.07ch7
8. Instructed L2 grammar acquisition
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.08ch8
3. What is grammar and how can it be described?
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.03ch3
2. Pedagogical grammar in applied linguistics
(2014) · John Benjamins Publishing Company eBooks · doi:10.1075/z.190.02ch2
Loewen, S., & Reinders, H. (2011) · doi:10.1007/978-0-230-34627-7_1
Self-citationLearner-Generated Focus on Form
Jung, D. H. (2009) · korean language education research · doi:10.20880/kler.2009..34.371
Interactional feedback and learner modified output in EFL classrooms
Kim, J. H. (2010) · English Language Teaching · doi:10.17936/pkelt.2010.22.1.005
Arabgary, H., & Izadpanah, S. (2016) · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)
Metadata
- Authors
- Loewen, S.
- Affiliations
- University of Auckland (NZ)
- Corresponding author
- Loewen, Shawn
- ORCID
- Loewen, Shawn
- Venue
- Studies in Second Language Acquisition
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2005-07-22
- Volume
- 27
- Issue
- 03
- ISSN
- 0272-2631 (ISSN-L)
- 1470-1545
- OpenAlex
- W2073789142
- Cited by
- 381
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 35 · 2021: 38 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 40 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 35 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 24
- FWCI
- 74.06
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Studies in Second Language Acquisition (publishedVersion)
- ResearchSpace (University of Auckland) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Second Language Acquisition and Learning
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › Linguistics and Language Analysis
- Keywords
- second language acquisition, uptake, young adult learners
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
