Using Eye-Tracking in L2 English Teaching and Learning Research: A Review for its Implementation in Costa Rica

Abstract

Research using eye-tracking technology has wildly increased in the last decade (Keating, 2013). Hence, studies on L2 teaching and learning have started to use that technology to improve research in that area. However, L2 eye-tracking research has not been explored in the Costa Rican context. This article aims to describe what eye-tracking is, what eye-tracking paradigms are, studies using eye-tracking in L2 teaching and learning, and research ideas for its implementation in Costa Rica. The methodology employed was an integrative review approach (Cooper, 1988) to review eye-tracking research and to discuss its application in Costa Rica. It was found that there are no studies regarding L2 teaching and learning in Costa Rica with the use of eye-tracking. Thus, research ideas to conduct eye-tracking research in L2 teaching and learning are discussed. It is concluded that the use of eye-tracking brings an opportunity to conduct multidisciplinary research to further advance the knowledge of L2 teaching and learning processes in Costa Rica.