A groundbreaking study from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania has shed light on how children learn mathematics, using advanced eye-tracking technology. This innovative approach could revolutionize math education by providing educators with unprecedented insights into students’ thought processes.
How Eye-Tracking Works in Education
Eye-tracking technology uses specialized cameras and software to monitor where a person looks and how their gaze moves. In education, this allows researchers to observe students’ attention patterns and cognitive processes without disrupting their work.
Dr. Irina Klizienė, a professor at KTU’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, explains: “By applying this technology in mathematical education, it is possible to monitor the individual activity of students and see the cognitive processes they undergo when solving mathematical tasks.”
The study, conducted by Klizienė and PhD student Asta Paškovskė, analyzed how primary school students tackle math problems. Their findings reveal crucial details about children’s problem-solving strategies that often go unnoticed in traditional classroom settings.
Unveiling Hidden Challenges in Math Problem-Solving
The eye-tracking data provides valuable insights into which aspects of math problems are most challenging for students. Paškovskė notes, “It helps to identify which problem-solving steps are the most difficult, how the child selects and processes information, and where the child focuses his or her attention.”
This information can help teachers tailor their instruction methods and allow students to develop more effective learning strategies. By understanding where students struggle, educators can create more targeted interventions and optimize learning materials.
For instance, if the data shows that students frequently overlook a crucial part of a problem, teachers can redesign the layout to draw attention to that section. This personalized approach could significantly improve students’ comprehension and performance in mathematics.
Why it matters: Math proficiency is crucial for success in many fields, yet many students struggle with the subject. By using eye-tracking technology to understand how children process mathematical information, educators can develop more effective teaching methods, potentially improving math education on a broad scale.
The KTU study marks the first time eye-tracking has been integrated into education research in Lithuania. As this technology becomes more widely adopted, it could transform how we approach not just math education, but learning across various subjects.
While the study focuses on primary school students, the implications of this research extend far beyond early education. The insights gained from eye-tracking studies could inform curriculum design, textbook layout, and even digital learning platforms for students of all ages.
As education systems worldwide grapple with how to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, tools like eye-tracking offer a promising avenue for evidence-based reforms. By providing a window into students’ cognitive processes, this technology could help bridge the gap between how math is taught and how students actually learn.
The full details of this pioneering research can be found in the scientific article “Eye tracking technology on children’s mathematical education: systematic review”, published in the journal “Frontiers in Education”.
