Isolated Versus Integrated Form‐Focused Instruction

Abstract

Isolated and integrated form‐focused instruction (FFI) are two types of FFI that are designed to draw learners' attention to form in communicatively oriented language classrooms. The distinction between the two types is one of timing: in isolated FFI, strategies designed to draw learners' attention to linguistic form are provided before or after learners' communicative activities. The lesson includes both a focus on form and communicative activities but they are provided at separate points during the lesson. In integrated FFI, the teacher draws learners' attention to form during communicative activities at brief intervals. Research suggests that there are benefits to each type of instruction and that the decision to adopt one over the other depends on context and learner differences. This entry outlines some of the principles and research underpinning isolated and integrated FFI and describes how it can be implemented in the language classroom.