Proceedings of the World Conference on Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Understanding the Effect of Reading Ability on Visual Behavior: An Eye-Tracking Study
Hilal AlMaqbali, Bader Al-Sinani, Ali Al Riyami, Ruqiya ALShezawi, Hala Alfaliti
ABSTRACT:
This study examines the effect of different reading skills on elementary students’ eye movement using a high-tech eye tracker. Participants were categorized into three groups: This means that there are three different groups of students, namely the proficient readers, the struggling readers, and the non-readers. The analysis of such key visual metrics as fixation time, fixation frequency, and eye movements allowed for evaluating the differences between these groups. It was also established that while reading, the proficient readers had shorter fixation durations and fewer regressions compared to struggling students and non-readers. Such differences suggest that reading ability influences visual processing during reading-related activities. The study also stresses the importance of intervention to support the development of reading and comprehension skills, especially for learners who may experience difficulties in reading. Due to the description of the visual behavior patterns characteristic for the learners at different levels of reading achievement, this study provides a useful reference point for designing more specific intervention approaches. These strategies may increase the value of reading by addressing various visual processing issues. The study is beneficial in improving the educational learning environment and learning practices for students with varying reading skills.
keywords: eye tracking, visual user behavior, learning