Eye Tracking or Scanning
Efficient learning demands smooth
and accurate eye movement. Whether reading, copying from the whiteboard or
playing a sport, it is imperative that eye movement is precise and
accurate. Eye tracking or scanning are other terms for eye movement.
The following sentence is a demonstration of what it might be like for someone reading with tracking problems: "Do y ou hav etroub lere ading thes esimp lew ords?" The person with poor scanning or tracking ability will tend to sequence improperly, become confused and read slowly. The sentence, when sequenced properly actually reads: "Do you have trouble reading these simple words?"
Signs and symptoms of a tracking problem include:
-
Excessive head movement when reading;
-
Frequent loss of place when reading or copying;
-
Words frequently omitted when reading or copying;
-
Loss of place due to skipping words or lines of print;
-
Need for a finger or marker to maintain place (see above picture);
-
Rereading of lines unknowingly.
The
Taylor
Visagraph II is a computerized system to electronically measure eye
movement during reading. The student
slips on goggles and is then asked to read a paragraph silently.
A series of comprehension
questions are then asked. During
the reading, the Visagraph II samples eye-movement positions 60 times per
second and automatically computes various reading performance measures.
These measure comprise what is call the fundamental
reading process and is an indicator of fluency. An instant read-out
of the results is produced giving:
- Fixations (number of eye stops)
- Regressions (number of reverse eye movements)
- Span of Recognition (average words or word parts perceived per eye stop)
- Duration of Fixation (average length of eye pauses)
- Rate of Reading with Comprehension (words per minute)
- Rate Without Rereading (excluding all time for rereading)
- Directional Attack (percentage of reverse-to-forward eye movements)
- Relative Efficiency (overall performance in relation to grade level norms)
This is done
easily and most students find it quite fun! What makes this
instrument so important is not only it’s measurement of the eye movements, but
it’s ability to demonstrate the person’s eye movements. So,
in the case of a child, we can show the parent how that child’s eyes were
tracking in a reading task.
This
Visagraph appraisal is combined with the
Computerized Placement
Appraisal (CPA) from Taylor. It is a unique computerized
reading appraisal that determines the most appropriate level of reading
instructional content. CPA can be completed by a student in 20-30 minutes, and
the results of each student's performance is available in either display or
printout form.
The CPA determines: independent reading level, usual reading rate, comprehension competence and vocabulary study level. The appraisal format is the following::
Part 1: Students read a series of 100-word selections and answer literal comprehension questions to determine a tentative independent reading level and usual reading rates on various levels of content. The number of selections encountered (from 3-7) varies with student accuracy.
Part 2: Students read a 300-word selection on their tentative independent reading level (Part 1) and answer a variety of comprehension questions to test depth of understanding. This final reading is a confirmation of a student's independent reading level and usual reading rate.
Part 3: Finally, to determine a vocabulary study level, students complete a series of word meaning and use exercises starting with items on their independent reading level and elevating based on accuracy.
The eye movement difficulties found with the Visagraph II and
the CPA can be remediated with
exercises and activities designed to specifically improve the
fundamental reading process. The
Taylor Reading Plus system is invaluable
for this.
Research using this system is very extensive and has been completed at a
number of schools, colleges and universities..
100 North Rancho Road, Suite #1
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Telephone (805)495-3937 Fax (805)373-9843
E-Mail