Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Aiming at good pronunciation: on the Q(E)T

Clip art: Clker
Clip art: Clker
Always looking for ways to enhance haptic anchoring, I came across some interesting new research  by Wood and Wilson of Exeter University using Quiet Eye Training (QET), a well-established technique for helping one (especially professional athletes under pressure) aim at (or focus attention on) a target.The training assists the shooter in putting distraction out of mind. (Some studies report even more generalized impact on everyday cognitive functioning and sense of control as well.)

This is potentially a good fit with other attention management strategies in the EHIEP approach. Early on in the development of the system we experimented with some eye-tracking techniques similar to those used in OEI but discovered that they were a little too "high octane" for general pronunciation work. (In working with "fossilized" individuals I still use some of those regularly, however.) Since QET does not require instructor presence when the shot is taken, it may be possible to use it in some form. Will figure out how to adapt QET training, how to better enable learners to anchor what they do on the q.t. and get back to you. 

1 comment:

  1. QET instead of OEI - interesting! I was just reading in Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" how it is the internal gaze of the soul on Christ that heals and saves (like the bronze serpent in the desert). This gift of peace channels into concentration on anything worthy.

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