This study examined the effects of learners’ prior knowledge of a linguistic form on the noticing function of output (Swain, 1995), which might mediate second language (L2) production and learning. Based on the degree of prior knowledge of the target form, the participants were divided into four levels. The noticing scores (measured by underlining in the subsequent input) showed that Level 2 participants—who had partial knowledge of the target form—noticed more target forms than the other levels and the comparison group. The participants in the experimental group produced more target forms on the second output activity than on the first output activity. However, learners’ increased noticing did not lead to immediate increased improvement of production and learning. Some prior knowledge of the target form was able to mediate noticing of the form, but one-time noticing might not be enough for promoting improvement of production and learning of the target form.

Abstract
I. INTRODUCTION
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
III. METHOD
IV. RESULTS
V. DISCUSSION
VI. CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Jeong-Ah Shin(Seoul National University)