Analyzing Students Eye Movements of their EFL Reading with Concept Mapping Strategy

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of applying concept mapping strategy by monitoring EFL students' eye movements during English reading process. The participants were divided into two groups: the one applied concept mapping strategy (N = 10), and the control group (N= 12). The experimental group received two reading materials with the aid of concept maps while the control group received the same reading materials without the aid of concept maps. Major findings included that participants in the experimental group spent less time significantly on the texts and the AOIs, and their fixation numbers on the AOIs were also less than the control group. It indicated that the concept mapping strategy could shorten learners' reading time and enhanced learners' reading effectiveness. The eye movement data provided concrete evidence to explain how concept mapping strategy could facilitate learners' reading of previous studies.