User:Hosannah123/Form Focused Instruction

= Form Focused Instruction = Form Focused Instruction (FFI) is a method of teaching a foreign/second language that directs the learners' attention to specific properties of the language they are learning. This method draws from elements of the focus-on-form approach which involves introducing task-based activities that naturally draw a learner's attention to the form of a language (grammar, phonology, etc.). Some other forms of FFI draw on the focus-on-forms approach which involves explicitly teaching specific forms to learners (e.g. grammar drills).

Background
Traditionally, language instruction dealt almost entirely in memorizing grammatical forms of a language. These forms were often out of context and so difficult for learners to use in actual conversation. Aspects of a new language are easier to remember when the context they are used and the context they were learnt are similar. In that regard, FFI is helpful as it promotes communication and dynamic usage of the target language; practicing conversation would help the students remember language features in a natural conversational setting.

Previously, it was believed that all that was necessary to learn a foreign language was enough exposure to that language. Meaning focused instruction was popular, but this method involved almost no attention to grammar. Studies began showing that while students learning through meaning focused instruction attained high communicative ability, they persistently showed low linguistic accuracy. Nowadays, many teachers believe that is is essential to draw attention to the form of the target language. FFI combines both communication and grammar instruction, where meaning is the focus, but language structures are brought to attention. Combining these two has been shown to provide better results for language learning than using either individually.

Isolated FFI
Isolated FFI involves no attention to form during a communication activity. Instruction comes either before or after the activity. For example, a teacher may explain a specific language feature before presenting an activity to the learners where they must recognize said feature.

Integrated FFI
Integrated FFI involves little attention to form at any specific time, and is instead brought up only when necessary. For example, as feedback or an explanation to a question. Teachers may even anticipate certain problems arising and plan to focus on certain language features during an activity.