Capturing engagement in early science learning: triangulating observational and psychophysiological measures

The main aim of this research is to examine engagement in early science learning in the context of a science centre, particularly how and to what extent the process of engagement can be captured and fostered in children aged 4-7 years. This research is testing the potential of a multimodal approach that triangulates data from current (video-recording and engagement scales) and novel tools (head-mounted camera, EDA sensor) capturing engagement simultaneously. By doing this, the approach may also detect which events and variables might characterise engagement, as well as those that could influence it in relation to the learning goal of the activity. Analysis will examine whether there are relationships between data from different tools and whether these lead to find influential triggers that guide engagement, or emerging patterns of activity throughout the interaction. This research has the potential to enhance and facilitate early science learning through improvement of engagement processes.