This paper investigates the cognitive processes involved in English word recognition among young EFL learners using eye-tracking methodology. A quasi-experimental mixed method design was used to investigate how young L2 learners engage with basic words, with or without pictorial cues. A total of seventeen 6th-grade pupils from two schools participated in the experiment. The participants were presented with a list of 20 words and were asked to read them aloud while their eye movements were tracked to discern their viewing patterns. Immediately after the reading task, stimulated-recall interviews were conducted to triangulate and validate the participants’ viewing behaviors. Results indicate that participants focused significantly more on the text than the accompanying pictures yet demonstrated better performance in recognizing and reading the words presented in a picture-based mode. Some participants reported that the pictures were not viewed because the words were easy to read. In contrast, others struggled to read certain words due to an over-reliance on their background knowledge, which sometimes led to misinterpretation. These results emphasize the importance of integrating visual cues with word recognition instruction in early language learning contexts, highlighting when and how these cues should be utilized effectively.

This study describes how Korean college students perceive reviewing their peers’ drafts over the course of one semester and what variables might affect their review process. Twenty-six students enrolled in the teacher researcher’s two writing courses participated in this study. The data came from the students’ reflections on their peer reviews and the researcher’s observations/descriptions of the review process, and informal interviews with several students. The findings indicated that the students in this study valued peer reviews, but they were reluctant to write comments on peers’ drafts, especially at the beginning of the semester. However, toward the end of the semester, they felt more comfortable in providing written comments on peers’ drafts, particularly when they developed positive relationships with their peers. Suggestions for effective peer activity have also been provided.