student using video with closed captions for learning

The debate over whether closed captions help enhance learning and engagement in students is an ongoing one. On one hand, many believe that closed captions can help students who struggle with reading or have difficulty following lectures, as they provide an additional layer of support that can help students better understand the material. On the other hand, some argue that closed captions can be a distraction and can take away from the educational experience.

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. While closed captions can be an effective tool for some students, it is important to consider each individual student’s needs and preferences when determining whether closed captions are appropriate for a given lesson. Ultimately, it is up to educators to decide if closed captions can help to enhance learning and engagement in their classrooms.

closed captions

Using Closed Captions in K-12 classrooms

Let’s look to recent research to learn more.  Indeed, most of the research has shown that closed captions can significantly improve student learning and engagement in K-12 classrooms.

  • A study by the University of California, San Diego, found that students who used closed captions had a 6.8% higher comprehension rate than those who did not. Additionally, students who used closed captions reported feeling more engaged and attentive during class and reported higher levels of satisfaction with their learning experience.
  • A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that students who used closed captions also had higher test scores than those who did not.
  • A study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who used Closed Captions while watching educational videos were more likely to pay attention to the content and had better recall of the material than those who did not use Closed Captions.
  • Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that Closed Captions can help increase student engagement and comprehension of complex topics.

The use of Closed Captions has also been found to improve educational outcomes for English language learners, as well as students with hearing impairments.

​Closed Captions and their Effectiveness with University Students

closed captions with university students

Recent research has demonstrated that closed captions can be a powerful tool for enhancing university student learning and engagement.

  • A study conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln showed that students who used closed captions in their lectures experienced a 28% increase in comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Another study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that students who used closed captions reported higher levels of engagement, interest, and satisfaction with their learning experience.
  • Finally, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found that students who used closed captions in their lecture experienced a 9% improvement in their academic performance.

These studies clearly demonstrate the powerful impact that closed captions can have on student learning and engagement in college students.

What are the Effects of Closed Captions for Non-English Speakers

Research has shown that closed captions can improve learning and engagement for non-English speakers. A recent study by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages found that when students were presented with captions, they retained more information and had better recall of content.

Additionally, a study by the University of Hawaii found that providing closed captions made it easier for non-English speakers to understand and retain the content and increased their engagement with the material. These studies demonstrate the power of closed captions in enhancing learning and engagement for non-English speakers.

 

Non-English Speakers Learn English Faster and Better with Closed Captions

Research conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics has found that closed captions can improve non-English speakers’ comprehension of English.

In a study of 135 non-native English speakers, researchers found that when participants watched video content with closed captions, their comprehension of English improved dramatically.

The study showed that the students’ vocabulary, grammar, and overall understanding of English significantly improved. Additionally, the research found that the students who watched video content with closed captions finished their English language-learning tasks faster and with fewer errors compared to those who watched without closed captions.

Conclusion

Closed captions are an effective tool to help students improve their learning and engagement in the classroom.

  • They provide students with a visual representation of the spoken words, allowing them to better understand and remember the material.
  • This is especially beneficial for students with hearing impairments or learning disabilities, as they can access the same materials as their peers.
  • Additionally, closed captions allow students to review and re-watch material with greater ease, as they can quickly search for specific words or phrases.
  • Closed captions also provide a more immersive learning environment, as students can better connect with the material being discussed.
  • Finally, closed captions can help to increase reading skills and student engagement, as they can more easily follow along with the material being discussed.

Adding Automatic Closed Captions in Eduvision

See how easily you can add automatic closed captions to your video

You can also translate from any language to any language that you have selected in your portal.

Note that you can create closed captions just as easily for live events and broadcasts.