Improving reading and comprehending mathematical expressions in braille

Abstract

Braille readers encounter difficulties when reading mathematical expressions. In this exploratory study, we created a setting to investigate these difficulties. Using a motion-capturing system, we analyzed the tactile strategies of three braille readers while they read mathematical expressions. To compare tactile and visual reading strategies, we also analyzed the oculomotor performance in five print readers. The analysis showed that the two experienced braille readers -experienced in reading in braille -needed about 3.5 times as much time as print readers to read and solve four items involving mathematical expressions. The other braille reader needed even more time. The braille readers used personal reading strategies for all items with little use of the expression's mathematical structure. In contrast, the reading strategies of print readers showed item-dependent and structure-related characteristics. Within the constraints of tactile reading, the braille readers had difficulties to align their reading strategies to the solution procedures required by the mathematical structure of the items. The practical implication of this study is that mathematics teachers need to become aware of the kind of problems that braille readers face when they try to read and comprehend mathematical expressions.