Examining the Interplay of Gaze and Verbal Interactions in Socially Shared Regulation of Learning

This paper presents a transmodal analysis (TMA) study that investigates the interplay between gaze and verbal interactions through regulation-triggering events within the context of socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) in face-to-face collaborative settings with shared computer-mediated materials. In face-to-face collaborative learning environments, gaze interaction serves as a pivotal mechanism for both directing attention and communicating emotional states. This aspect of non-verbal communication is critical for aligning cognitive processes and establishing an emotional connection among learners, thereby improving the effectiveness of the learning environment. Despite substantial research on verbal interactions in SSRL, the role of non-verbal cues, particularly gaze, has been less studied. This study examines 3,523 gaze and verbal interactions from twenty-four high school students engaged in eight collaborative learning groups. This study demonstrates the application of TMA method, which reveals epistemic networks across various data modalities, each operating on different temporal scales. Furthermore, our study highlights the critical role of gaze interactions in conveying cognitive and emotional cues, enhancing verbal communication for SSRL.