'Gaze aversion' research could help teachers

June 03 2008

Teachers may benefit from new research that can help them read the significance of a pupil staring into space.

According to new research by the University of Sterling and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the phenomenon of 'gaze aversion' can be observed to understand why it happens.

After studying children aged five to eight, the research group led by Dr Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon discovered that they are most likely to stare into space if they find the task complex.

Dr Doherty-Sneddon said: "These results are important because they show that children avert their gaze when they are trying to carry out a task which is difficult or with which they are not yet familiar."

This information is especially beneficial for those who are dealing with pupils who suffer from conditions such as those in the autistic spectrum or ADHD, she noted.

For teachers, Dr Doherty-Sneddon added, gaze aversion can be seen as a positive sign, as those who appear to be staring into space are actually likely to be an "improver", developing their understanding.

Earlier this year the Welsh Assembly Government announced a new £1.8 million drive to help people affected by autism, reports the BBC.

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