Integrating eye trackers with handwriting tablets to discover difficulties of solving geometry problems

To deepen our understanding of those aspects of problems that cause the most difficulty for solvers, this study integrated eye‐tracking with handwriting devices to investigate problem solvers' online processes while solving geometry problems. We are interested in whether the difference between successful and unsuccessful solvers can be identified by employing eye‐tracking and handwriting. Sixty‐two high school students were required to complete a series of geometry problems using pen tablets. Responses, including eye movement measures, wrote/drew trace, perceived cognitive load and questionnaires concerning the source of difficulties, were collected. The results suggested that the technique could enhance methods to diagnose difficulties by differentiating between successful and unsuccessful solvers. We considered mental rotation could be a primary obstacle in the integrating stage of diagram comprehension. The technique can be extensively applied in various instructional scenarios. Educational implications for problem solving are discussed.     

Role of visual attention in cognitive control of oculomotor readiness in students with reading disabilities

This study investigated eye movement and comprehension therapy in Grade 6 children with reading disabilities (RD). Both order of therapy and type of therapy were examined. Furthermore, the implications of visual attention in ameliorating reading disability are discussed. Thirty-one students with RD were identified using standardized reading comprehension tests. Eye movements were analyzed objectively using an infra-red recording device. Reading scores of participating children were 0.5 to 1 SD below the national mean. Testing took place before the start of therapy (T1) and was repeated after 12 weeks (T2) and 24 weeks (T3) of therapy. One group of students had eye movement therapy first, followed by comprehension therapy; in the other group, the order was reversed. Data were evaluated using a repeated measures MANOVA and post hoc tests. At T1, mean reading grade was 2 years below grade level, and eye movement scores were at about Grade 2 level. Mean growth in reading comprehension for the total sample was 2.6 years (p < .01) at T3; equally significant improvement was measured in eye movements (p < .01). Learning rate in reading comprehension improved from 60% (T1) to 400% (T3). Although within-group differences were statistically significant, between-group differences were not significant for comprehension or eye movements. Order of therapy (comprehension first or eye movements first) was not significant. Improvements in within-group scores for comprehension and eye movements were consistently significant at T2 and T3. Eye movement therapy improved eye movements and also resulted in significant gains in reading comprehension. Comprehension therapy likewise produced improvement both in eye movement efficiency and in reading comprehension. The results support the notion of a cognitive link among visual attention, oculomotor readiness, and reading comprehension.     

Measurement of cognitive load in multimedia learning: a comparison of different objective measures

Different indicators are interesting for analyzing human learning processes. Recent studies analyze learning performance in combination with cognitive load, as an indicator for learners’ invested mental effort. In order to compare different measures of cognitive load research, the present study uses three different objective methods and one subjective method, reviewing the seductive details effect in a computer-based multimedia learning instruction. An experimental two-group design (N = 50) was used, with exposure to seductive details during learning as the between group factor. Eye movements were analyzed concerning the indicated cognitive activity and cognitive load was measured by the rhythm method (Park 2010; Park and Brünken 2015), the index of cognitive activity (ICA) (Marshall 2007), as well as by subjective ratings of mental effort and task difficulty (Paas 1992). Results confirm the seductive details effect for learning success with a decrease in retention and comprehension performance, an increase in total cognitive activity indicated by eye movements and significant higher cognitive load, indicated by rhythm method. The ICA values and the subjective ratings on mental effort and task difficulty show no difference in cognitive load between the groups. The results provide evidence of the suitability of different objective measures for a direct and continuous cognitive load assessment in multimedia learning. Further, the results show the benefit of combining different methods to gain detailed insight into information processing while learning with multimedia as well as a differentiated access to the single cognitive load factors.     

Performance on Middle School Geometry Problems With Geometry Clues Matched to Three Different Cognitive Styles

ABSTRACT— This study investigated the relationship between 3 ability‐based cognitive styles (verbal deductive, spatial imagery, and object imagery) and performance on geometry problems that provided different types of clues. The purpose was to determine whether students with a specific cognitive style outperformed other students, when the geometry problems provided clues compatible with their cognitive style. Students were identified as having a particular cognitive style when they scored equal to or above the median on the measure assessing this ability. A geometry test was developed in which each problem could be solved on the basis of verbal reasoning clues (matching verbal deductive cognitive style), mental rotation clues (matching spatial imagery cognitive style), or shape memory clues (matching object imagery cognitive style). Straightforward cognitive style–clue‐compatibility relationships were not supported. Instead, for the geometry problems with either mental rotation or shape memory clues, students with a combination of both verbal and spatial cognitive styles tended to do the best. For the problems with verbal reasoning clues, students with either a verbal or a spatial cognitive style did well, with each cognitive style contributing separately to success. Thus, both spatial imagery and verbal deductive cognitive styles were important for solving geometry problems, whereas object imagery was not. For girls, a spatial imagery cognitive style was advantageous for geometry problem solving, regardless of type of clues provided.     

Attention guidance in learning from a complex animation: Seeing is understanding?

To examine how visual attentional resources are allocated when learning from a complex animation about the cardiovascular system, eye movements were registered in the absence and presence of visual cues. Cognitive processing was assessed using cued retrospective reporting, whereas comprehension and transfer tests measured the quality of the constructed representation. Within the framework of Cognitive Load Theory, visual cues highlighting the subsystems of the heart were hypothesized to guide attention, reduce visual search and extraneous cognitive load, and enhance learning. As predicted, learners looked more often and longer at cued parts. However, we found no effects of cueing on visual search and cognitive load. With respect to cognitive processing, performance differences were found on the number of statements in the learners’ verbal reports. These findings suggest that visual cueing can guide attention in an animation, but other factors are also important in determining the effectiveness of visual cues on learning.     

Taming a beast of burden – On some issues with the conceptualisation and operationalisation of cognitive load

Research on cognitive load theory (CLT) has not yet provided facet-specific measures of cognitive load. The lack of valid methods to measure intrinsic, extraneous and germane cognitive load makes it difficult to empirically test theoretical explanations of effects caused by manipulations of instructional designs. This situation also imposes challenges to testing CLT as a theory. This paper critically reflects the conceptualisation of CLT's core concept and the implications for its operationalisation. In order to address some of the challenges we propose a complexity framework that allows the derivation of a priori estimates of mental load that go beyond CLT's notion of element interactivity. In a study we test hypotheses with regard to effects of the variation of sources for intrinsic cognitive load (increase of complexity within tasks) and the variation of sources for extraneous cognitive load (reduction of extraneous cognitive load between tasks) in three ability groups. Complexity-based estimates prove superior to element interactivity-based estimates of mental load in the prediction of performance outcomes. Results also indicate that individual differences in information-processing capacity determine to what extent complexity is reflected as cognitive load. In this respect the proposed framework extends the focus of CLT beyond the discussion of the role of prior knowledge and acquired levels of expertise.     

Effects of interruption on eye movements and comprehension during reading on digital devices

The growing use of digital devices brings about interruptions during reading. The aim of the present study is to observe the consequences of an interruption on reading behavior and text comprehension when the information that is evaluated is the information that is being read at the time the interruption occurs. Eye movements (mean number of fixations, regressive fixations and mean fixation duration) were recorded while reading four long texts. Reading was interrupted by an arithmetic verification task either in the middle of a paragraph (intra-paragraph condition) or between two successive paragraphs (inter-paragraph condition). The analysis of the eye movements showed more rereading behaviors when an interruption occurred. The participants who understood the text best were also those who reread the most. The comprehension performances were not affected by the interruption, irrespective of its position (inter- or intra-paragraph). This preservation of performance is discussed in relation to LTWM theory.     

Differentiating Different Types of Cognitive Load: a Comparison of Different Measures

Recent studies about learning and instruction use cognitive load measurement to pay attention to the human cognitive resources and to the consumption of these resources during the learning process. In order to validate different measures of cognitive load for different cognitive load factors, the present study compares three different methods of objective cognitive load measurement and one subjective method. An experimental three-group design (N = 78) was used, with exposure to seductive details (extraneous cognitive load factor), mental animation tasks (germane cognitive load factor), or the basic learning instruction (control group). Cognitive load was measured by the rhythm method (Park and Brünken 2015), the index of cognitive activity (ICA) (Marshall 2007), and the subjective ratings of mental effort and task difficulty (Paas 1992). Eye-tracking data were used to analyze the attention allocation and as an indicator for cognitive activity. The results show a significantly higher cognitive load for the mental animation group in contrast to the control and the seductive detail group, indicated by rhythm method and subjective ratings, as well as a higher cognitive activity, indicated by eye tracking. Furthermore, the mental animation group shows significantly higher comprehension performance in contrast to the seductive detail group and significantly higher transfer performance in contrast to the control group. The ICA values showed no significant differences in cognitive load. The results provide evidence for the benefits of combining eye-tracking analysis and the results of cognitive load ratings or secondary task performance for a direct and continuous cognitive load assessment and for a differentiating access to the single cognitive load factors.     

The Effect of Learner-Generated Drawing and Imagination in Comprehending a Science Text

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of imagination and learner-generated drawing on comprehension, reading time, cognitive load, and eye movements, and whether prior knowledge moderated the effects of these two strategies. Sixty-three undergraduate students participated in a pretest-posttest between-subjects study with the independent variable being the instructional strategies with three levels (learner-generated drawing vs. imagination vs. repeated reading). The results revealed that, compared to repeated reading, learner-generated drawing fostered learners' comprehension when their prior knowledge was relatively low. Moreover, when asked to read the science text after the intervention, learners who were previously engaged with imagination spent significantly more time reading the text, and fixated longer and more frequently than those in the repeated reading condition.     

网络化学习中学习者认知负荷的评估方法

本研究通过设计模拟的网络化学习实验,探讨网络化学习过程中认知负荷的评估方法.结果显示,心理努力、任务主观难度、注视时间、注视次数、主任务反应时、主任务正确率等评估指标对认知负荷变化敏感;采用多维综合评估模型对认知负荷进行测量总体上比采用单一评估指标的测量更为有效.研究表明,BP网络和自组织神经网络两种神经网络模型对认知负荷的测量结果优于传统的因素分析方法.     

Influence of eye movements,auditory perception,and phonemic awareness in the reading process

The authors' aim was to analyze the relationship of eye movements, auditory perception, and phonemic awareness with the reading process. The instruments used were the King-Devick Test (saccade eye movements), the PAF test (auditory perception), the PFC (phonemic awareness), the PROLEC-R (lexical process), the Canals reading speed test, and the ACL-1 (reading comprehension). The sample was composed of 52 first-year primary school pupils. After the correlational analysis, results indicate that all of these factors correlate in reading (lexical process, speed, and word comprehension). Moreover, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test reveals that children with saccade eye movements and auditory perception problems obtain lower reading levels. In addition, children with lexical problems obtain a lower level of phonemic awareness. Given the importance of these variables, the authors conclude with a proposal of neuropsychological activities to improve reading skills.     

Cognitive apprehension in visual pattern generalization problems / Aprehensión cognitiva en problemas de generalización de patrones visuales

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify cognitive apprehensions used by fifth- and sixth-grade students (10–12-year-olds) when answering far generalization questions in two problems of visual pattern generalization. A total of 81 students solved two linear generalizing problems, presented in two different configurations, in a succession of figures (square tables or trapezoid tables). The results showed that students used different types of cognitive apprehensions to solve problems and that these apprehensions sometimes changed according to the configuration of the sequence of figures. This finding indicates that configurations could determine apprehensions used by students, which in some cases led to the emergence of algebraic thinking. In addition, difficulties in modifying apprehension and a lack of coordination between spatial and numerical structures could explain some students’ difficulties in far generalization.     

Improving Silent Reading Performance Through Feedback on Eye Movements: A Feasibility Study

This feasibility study investigated if feedback about individual eye movements, reflecting varying word processing stages, can improve reading performance. Twenty-five university students read 90 newspaper articles during 9 eye-tracking sessions. Training group participants (n = 12) were individually briefed before each session, which eye movement parameter(s) (fixation count, first fixation duration, regression, and/or skipping) to address, and informed about changes achieved in preceding sessions. Control group participants (n = 13) were told that self-instruction to read faster would produce training gains. Total fixation times decreased significantly more for training than for control group participants. Important to note, faster reading did not impair comprehension. Results are interpreted as first indications for a possible applicability of the feedback approach to silent reading. In addition to implications for future studies, alternative result interpretations (e.g., motivational effects, reduction of mindless reading) are discussed.     

数学学科教育眼动研究的应用与启示

国内外的相关研究表明,眼动研究可以通过对数学问题解决过程中的眼动轨迹进行记录以及对注视时间、注视次数等眼动指标的分析,进而了解数学问题解决过程中,大脑的内部加工机制。数学学科能力主要体现为数学问题的解决能力,通过数学学科教育中的眼动研究文献分析发现,眼动研究有助于探寻数学问题解决过程中注意分配及加工策略选择过程。在数学学科教育中针对这些认知加工的特点进行策略教学旨在:培养高效的注意能力、提取关键的表征信息、激发多知识体系的想象力,更好地提高学科教育的有效性。     

Characteristics and Levels of Sophistication: An Analysis of Chemistry Students’ Ability to Think with Mental Models

This study employed a case-study approach to reveal how an ability to think with mental models contributes to differences in students’ understanding of molecular geometry and polarity. We were interested in characterizing features and levels of sophistication regarding first-year university chemistry learners’ mental modeling behaviors while the learners were solving problems associated with spatial information. To serve this purpose, we conducted case studies on nine students who were sampled from high-scoring, moderate-scoring, and low-scoring students. Our findings point to five characteristics of mental modeling ability that distinguish students in the high-, moderate-, and low-ability groups from one another. Although the levels of mental modeling abilities have been described in categories (high, moderate, and low), they can be thought of as a continuum with the low-ability group reflecting students who have very limited ability to generate and use mental models whereas students in the high-ability group not only construct and use mental models as a thinking tool, but also analyze the problems to be solved, evaluate their mental models, and oversee entire mental modeling processes. Cross-case comparisons for students with different levels of mental modeling ability indicate that experiences of generating and manipulating a mental model based on imposed propositions are crucial for a learner’s efforts to incorporate content knowledge with visual-spatial thinking skills. This paper summarizes potential factors that undermine learners’ comprehension of molecular geometry and polarity and that influence mastery of this mental modeling ability.     

The Effect of Student-Related and Text-Related Characteristics on Student’s Reading Behaviour and Text Comprehension: An Eye Movement Study

The focus of the present study was on the mediation and moderation effects of reading processes as evidenced from eye movements on the relation between cognitive and linguistic student characteristics (word decoding, vocabulary, comprehension skill, short-term memory, working memory, and nonverbal intelligence) and text comprehension. Forty 4th graders read 4 explanatory texts and afterward answered text comprehension questions. During their reading, eye-movements of gaze, look back, and second pass duration were examined for the heading, first sentence, and final sentence. The result show differential effects of reader and text characteristics on skipping probability, driven by decoding and nonverbal intelligence. Regression probability and regression path duration are also influenced by decoding. Concluding, this study shows reading behaviour to be related to both students’ skills and text comprehension measures.     

Differences in eye movements control among dyslexic,retarded and normal readers in the Spanish population

This paper reports a research which examined the relationship between dyslexia and eye movement control in Spanish speaking children. The study compared the eye movements recordings of 30 dyslexic, 30 retarded and 30 normal readers, aged between 7 and 14, in one ocular tracking task and two reading tasks which differed in their degree of reading difficulty. Within each group the subjects were divided into 3 subgroups of 10 in accordance with the following chronological ages: 7–9, 10–11 and 12 years and above. Dependent variables were saccadics (number, size and fixation pause), regressives (number, size and fixation pause), total number of movements and percentage of regressives over the total number of movements. The following results were obtained: (1) In the two reading tasks significant differences were found between dyslexic and normal readers and between retarded and normal readers in most of the parameters, no differences being found between dyslexic and retarded readers except in a few parameters; (2) in the ocular tracking task significant differences both between dyslexic and normal readers and between dyslexic and retarded readers were found in all dependent variables, no differences being found between retarded and normal readers at all, and (3) the age factor produced a significant main effect in the two reading tasks indicating a general improvement of eye movements as age increases but an interaction effect with reading disability in the ocular tracking task-indicating a deterioration in eye movements in the dyslexic group as a function of age-was also found. The results are discussed in the context of alternative theoretical explanations of developmental dyslexia.This research was supported by grant PR82-1933 from the Spanish Consulting Committee for Scientific and Technological Research (CAYCIT). Requests for reprint should be sent to F. J. Martos, Departamento de Psicologia Experimental y Fisiologia del Comportamiento. Campus de Cartuja, Universidad de Granada. 18071 Granada, Spain.     

Cognitive skills used to solve mathematical word problems and numerical operations: a study of 6- to 7-year-old children

This study investigates the relationship between skills that underpin mathematical word problems and those that underpin numerical operations, such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Sixty children aged 6–7 years were tested on measures of mathematical ability, reading accuracy, reading comprehension, verbal intelligence and phonological awareness, using a mix of standardised and experimenter-designed tests. The experimental hypothesis was that mathematical word problems will call upon cognitive skills that are different and additional to those required by numerical operations, in particular verbal ability and reading comprehension, while phonological awareness and reading accuracy will be associated with both types of mathematical problems. The hypothesis is partly affirmed and partly rejected. Reading comprehension was found to predict performance on mathematical word problems and not numerical operations, and phonological awareness was found to predict performance on both types of mathematics. However, the predictive value of verbal ability and reading accuracy was found to be non-significant.     

The effects of captions on deaf students' content comprehension, cognitive load, and motivation in online learning

The authors examined the effects of captions on deaf students' content comprehension, cognitive load, and motivation in online learning. The participants in the study were 62 deaf adult students who had limited reading comprehension skills and used sign language as a first language. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The independent variable was the presence of captions, and the dependent variables were content comprehension, cognitive load, and motivation. The study applied a posttest-only control group design. The results of the experiment indicated a significant difference (t = -2.16, p < .05) in content comprehension but no statistically significant difference in cognitive load and motivation between the two groups. These results led to suggestions for improvements in learning materials for deaf individuals.