Inquiry-Based Learning Using Eye-Tracking Technology for Improving Paraphrasing Skills in Summary Writing

2018 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K00829
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: 西川 美香子 京都大学, 工学研究科, 講師 (60448016)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 堀口 由貴男 京都大学, 工学研究科, 助教 (50362455)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: Eye-tracking / cognitive process / summary writing / careful reading / expeditious reading

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

The main aim of this research is to investigate the cognitive processes of summary writing and determine whether the evidence from the eye-tracking data would serve for improving summary writing.
The Tobii Eye-tracker and the software were purchased with the research grants. The software needed to be upgraded for us to explore the cognitive processing of reading during the TOEFL iBT Integrated Writing Task in which test-takers are required to interact with source text to summarize the main points from a passage.
According to Weir & Khalifa (2008), there are two types of readings such as "careful reading" and "expeditious reading." Past studies such as Urquhart & Weir (1998) have shown that expeditious reading can be a better indicator to distinguish between expert and novice readers (i.e., L1 and L2 readers).
Through a pilot study, we also found some differences between skilled and unskilled writers in how they are engaged in the careful reading and expeditious reading during summary writing. The behavioral differences were captured in eye-tracking measurements including the fixation duration and the eye-gaze trajectory. Based on the initial findings, we have submitted three abstracts for JACET, AALA and New Directions this year.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

Currently, we are at the stage of analyzing the pilot data and moving towards our main study. The ethic clearance form has been already approved and we are confident we are able to collect main data from participants as scheduled.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Thanks to the current project, we were able to successfully recruit a group of international collaborators in the similar filed to exchange ideas and even plan for research collaboration. The future plans include publishing a paper in an international journal and applying for a bigger research grant with a team of international collaborators who share expertise.

Causes of Carryover

研究計画にある眼球測定装置について、初年度と次年度に装置およびハイスペックPCと分析ソフトを分けて購入を検討していたが、改めて検討した結果、分析結果を見せたうえで被験者からアンケートデータ回収必要があると判断した。そのため、PCと分析装置を初年度一緒に購入し、分析を行いながらのデータ収集を行えるよう、前倒し請求を行った。