Input Processing is a theoretical framework on which the pedagogical paradigm called Processing Instruction is predicated. In this book, new data on the acquisition of Italian and Modern Standard Arabic are presented and analyzed within this framework. Each study in the book explores how input processing strategies affect the acquisition of a particular linguistic feature and/or structure in the two languages. The studies use both offline (e.g., sentence and discourse-level tasks) and online tests (e.g., eye-tracking) to measure the effects of this instructional training.

This new book, Processing Instruction: Theory, Research, and Commentary, edited by Bill VanPatten--a pioneer in processing instruction (PI)--is a refreshing presentation of 10 related and not widely available articles that illustrate the role of processing instruction in second language acquisition. The articles provide both historical and current context, as well as describe the influence of the input processing model on PI. The contents include empirical papers presenting new data that demonstrate both the theoretical and pedagogical threads of research. Aside from simply establishing where PI stands in the field of instructed SLA, the book addresses issues, such as processing instruction versus other types of instruction; the impact of processing instruction on various linguistic structures; the role of explicit information in instructional intervention; and the long-term effects of processing instruction. Each section of the book is highlighted by commentaries from noted researchers in instructed SLA. An attempt was made to include voices that offer critical perspectives on various issues of PI research. The book achieves an unusually balanced approach to a subject that has stirred debate in the field. Processing Instruction: Theory, Research, and Commentary will serve as an important source of information regarding research methodology and replication in second language acquisition. It will also be useful in graduate courses where students need exposure to research design and is especially useful for illustrating the usefulness of replication in SLA research.

This volume tracks the impact Processing Instruction has made since its conception. The authors explain Processing Instruction, both its main theoretical underpinnings as well as the guidelines for developing structured input practices. They review the empirical research conducted to date, so that readers have an overview of new research carried out on the effects of Processing Instruction. The work concludes with reflections on the generalizability and limits of the research on Processing Instruction and offers future directions for Processing Instruction research.

The research we present in this book establishes a unique line of research within the Processing Instruction model by assessing the transfer-of-training effects of this approach to grammar instruction on how learners make form-meaning connections. In this book we present the results of three experimental studies investigating secondary and cumulative effects in French, Italian and English.

This book provides a comprehensive collection of empirical studies and critical commentary that bring Processing Instruction up to date but also lay the ground work for continued research.

Preface and acknowledgements -- Introduction -- Input processing in second language acquisition : The pioneering work of Bill VanPatten / Michael J. Leeser, Gregory D. Keating and Wynne WongPart -- Research on sentence processing -- The processing of case in intermediate L2 Spanish / Jill Jegerski -- The processing of subject shifts in L2 Spanish : an examination of L2 learners' use of inflectional morphology and reliance on overt subject pronouns / Suzanne Johnston -- When more is better : higher L1/L2 similarity, L2 proficiency, and working memory facilitate L2 morphosyntactic processing / Nuria Sagarra -- Research and perspectives on VanPatten's model of input processing -- VanPatten (1990)'s long and winding story and the nature of replication studies / Cristina Sanz and Timothy J. McCormick -- Research on second language processing and processing instruction -- Contextual effects in processing OVS constructions in Spanish : a partial replication of VanPatten and Houston (1998) and Malovrh (2006) / Casilde A. Isabelli -- Multilevel input processing : emerging developments and future challenges / Joe Barcroft -- Research and perspectives on processing instruction -- Trials-to-criterion as a methodological option to measure language processing in processing instruction / Claudia Fernández -- PI and the French causative and passive constructions : examining transfer-of-training effects using eye tracking / Wynne Wong, Kiwako Ito and Laurene Glimois -- Why does processing instruction work? The role of PI within a framework of language and second language development / Michael J. Leeser -- Conclusion -- Online methods in research on input processing and processing instruction / Gregory D. Keating.

Processing Instruction is an approach to grammar instruction for second language learning, contrasting with traditional grammar instruction in its focus on structured input rather than learners' output. This book compares student assessment after traditional grammar instruction and after Processing Instruction to assess the positive benefits of this method of second language teaching. Rather than examining sentence-level tasks, the study looks at the relative effectiveness of Processing Instruction on discourse-level linguistic ability. Case studies using empirical data from second language learners of Japanese, Italian and English are used to highlight the benefits to the learner of this method of enhanced input. This monograph will be of interest to postgraduates and academics researching second language acquisition and applied linguistics.