The reading processes of Japanese learners observed through an eye-camera

-Characteristics displayed by students of different levels-

YANAGISAWA Emi OOKI Rie SUZUKI Mika

This study aims to elucidate the characteristics displayed in the reading processes of different level Japanese students, using an eye-camera.

The subjects of this study were 26 Japanese learners from beginning to advanced level. Eye movements were recorded while the students read texts; and data such as time of reading, line of sight, fixation points and time of fixation were evaluated. In addition, interviews were conducted to confirm the degree of understanding of the texts.

The results from the study are summarized as follows:

1) Students with a higher Japanese level took less time to read the text. This is because the number of fixations was lower and the duration spent at each fixation point was shorter.

2) There were fewer “beta-readings” among students at a higher Japanese level.

3) Students at intermediate and advanced levels were apt to read the text using "keyword reading" and "partial rereading" strategies, compared with beginning level students.

4) The number of “beta-readings” was higher among students who took more time reading.

In this study, there was a big difference in the reading process between the beginning level and intermediate or advanced levels. This study suggests that it may be effective to have students practice “keyword reading” and “partial re-reading” to improve their reading skills in the latter half of beginning level Japanese reading courses.