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.