Earticle

This study was designed both to develop vocabulary memorizing tools and to examine their effects on Korean L2 learners’ vocabulary size. It was hypothesized that learners would memorize new words best with a computerized tool functioning in accordance with their individual preferences. In this study, 54 high school students participated. Self-regulated learners and other-regulated learners were provided with two types of vocabulary memorizing tools to expand their vocabulary size: one that allowed them to find target words (self-guided tool) and one that required finding words in a preplanned order (other-guided tool), respectively. Contrary to our hypothesis, which predicted better results for the matching tools, learners with the opposite tools (self-regulated learners with otherguided tool and other-regulated learners with self-guided tool) performed significantly better. Furthermore, they performed significantly better in memorization of all the content words than the matching group except for adverbs. However, the self-guided tool was found very effective for both styles of learners. Based on the results, since the level of engagement played an important role in memorizing words, we suggest teachers consider their students’ learning preferences and the level of engagement when devising classroom activities.

Learning how to translate a text involves not only the acquisition of linguistic or transfer competence. It also requires students to understand translation strategies and to select the strategy appropriate to the situational and textual contexts. Therefore, a translation class needs to provide an environment in which a student can take action, receive a reaction, and draw learning in a consistent manner. With this understanding, the present study aimed to explore the benefits of guided self-correction as one of the activities during the reaction phase. Whereas students generally translate a text (the action), and others, either a teacher or peers, react to the translation, this study assumed that self-correction can also serve as an effective reaction activity, which may not only help students improve their translation, but more importantly nurture their meta-cognition. Reviewing what students corrected and why, this study found that, even with only the simplest guidance, students were able to identify problems and areas for further improvement in their own translations, and to endeavor to make them better. Certainly, issues indicating potential difficulties that are less marked are not as easily identified as those that are more marked, such as conjunctions and inanimate subjects. Moreover, students were found to achieve different levels of correction, despite identifying the same problem. However, such findings do not indicate limitations to guided self-correction. Rather, the findings suggest the possibility of understanding various types of translation problems that may be commonly experienced, and of identifying individual students who are not gaining optimal advantage of guidance given in class, and who may therefore require a more personalized approach from the teacher.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of guided reading on learners’ self-regulated reading ability. Guided reading is a teaching method that gives learners the opportunity to practice their own reading strategies. Eventually, learners become able to generate their self-regulated reading strategies. Guided reading is based on the gradual release of responsibility model (GRRM), which is closely related to the process of gaining an apprenticeship in constructivism. In order to study the effects of guided reading on learners’ self-regulated reading ability, two classes of 5th graders in a primary school in Seoul participated in this study. One class received guided reading instruction to practice their English reading strategies and the other class received English reading instruction according to the seventh English curriculum in Korea. The results of this study showed that the experimental group who received guided reading instruction based on GRRM achieved a higher score in the post test than the control group who did not receive guided reading instruction. They also showed more confidence in reading English.

Extensive Reading (ER) is a pedagogical approach in second language (L2) education that has a strong foundation and is highly effective in fostering a passion for reading and enhancing reading proficiency. This study aimed to investigate the diverse landscape of ER, revealing the extensive range of genres, topics, and book selections it contains. The study examined a group of 83 nursing students in Seoul, who were divided into two groups: one receiving teacher guidance and the other engaging in self-directed learning. The program lasted for a duration of 15 weeks and focused on extensive reading training. The results indicated a strong preference for non-fiction literature, particularly in the field of Science, which aligns with the professional interests of the nursing students who took part in the study. The group that was supervised by the teacher demonstrated a wider range of subject study, particularly in the areas of Science, Social Studies, and History, highlighting the significance of having organized direction. On the other hand, the self-directed group exhibited a more equitable distribution of reading materials, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction genres. The observation may potentially indicate a correlation with their personal motivations and educational paths. Notable correlations were observed among specific subjects, suggesting a strong inclination towards interdisciplinary pursuits and the possibility of integrating disparate areas of knowledge. The books that are most frequently read tend to be focused on the subject of Science, while also maintaining a balanced reading level. This suggests that students have a preference for materials that are neither excessively simplistic nor excessively hard. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by factual content, narratives continue to maintain their attractiveness, therefore underlining their crucial position in the landscape of extensive reading settings. Furthermore, the study provides valuable perspectives on the reading habits of second language (L2) learners, emphasizing the ongoing popularity of narratives, the need of multidisciplinary education, and the delicate equilibrium between self-direction and instructional support. The aforementioned discoveries have the potential to impact instructional approaches, leading to a more effective integration of student needs and interests. Additionally, they provide a foundation for future investigations into the underlying motivations driving these preferences for reading materials.

Due to the increase in importance of factory-automation (FA) in the field of production, the importance of he autonomous guided vehicle's (AGV) role has also increased. This paper is about an active and effective controller which can flexibly prepare for changeable circumstances. For this study, research about an behavior-based system evolving by itself is also being considered. In this paper, constructed an active and effective AGV fuzzy controller to be able to carry out self-organization. To construct it, we tuned suboptimally membership function using a genetic algorithm (GA) and improved the control efficiency by self-correction and the generation of control rules.

EDITORIAL

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions have evolved rapidly in recent years, with dedicated metal stents playing a crucial role in this process. Specifically, the invention of biflanged short metal-covered stents, including lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), and modifications in a variety of tubular self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), have led to innovations in EUS-guided interventions. LAMS or non-LAMS stents are commonly used in the EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, especially in cases of walled-off necrosis. Additionally, LAMS is commonly considered for drainage of the EUS-guided gallbladder or dilated common bile duct and EUS-guided gastroenterostomy. Fully or partially covered tubular SEMS with several new designs are being considered for EUS-guided biliary drainage. This review focuses on advances in SEMS for EUS-guided interventions and discusses related research results.

Background/Aims: Covered self-expandable metallic stents (cSEMS) have become popular for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepati-cogastrostomy with transmural stenting (EUS-HGS). We compared the time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO), complications,and reintervention rates between EUS-HGS using plastic stent (PS) and cSEMS in patients with unresectable malignancies at multi-center institutions in Japan. Methods: Patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction who underwent EUS-HGS between April 2015 and July 2020 at anyof the six participating facilities were enrolled. Primary endpoint: TRBO; secondary endpoints: rate of complications other than recur-rent biliary obstruction and technical success rate of reintervention were evaluated. Results: PS and cSEMS were used for EUS-HGS in 109 and 43 patients, respectively. The TRBO was significantly longer in the cSEMSgroup than in the PS group (646 vs. 202 days). Multivariate analysis identified two independent factors associated with a favorableTRBO: combined EUS-guided antegrade stenting with EUS-HGS and the use of cSEMS. No significant difference was observed in therate of complications other than recurrent biliary obstruction between the two groups. The technical success rate of reintervention was85.7% for PS and 100% for cSEMS (p=0.309). Conclusions: cSEMS might be a better option for EUS-HGS in patients with unresectable malignancies, given the longer TRBO.

EDITORIAL

Background/Aims: The optimal length of the uncovered portion of partially covered self-expandable metal stents (PCSEMSs) used in endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) remains unclear. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of PCSEMSs with different uncovered lengths, with a focus on stent migration and time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). Methods: Outcomes of patients undergoing EUS-HGS using PCSEMSs with 5-mm and 20-mm uncovered portions at our institution from January 2016 to December 2021 were compared. Results: Sixty-two patients underwent EUS-HGS using PCSEMS (5/20-mm uncovered portions: 32/30). Stent migration occurred only in the 5-mm group. There were no differences in RBO rates (28.1% vs. 40.0%) or median time to RBO (6.8 vs. 7.1 months) between the two groups. Median overall survival (OS) was longer in the 20-mm group (3.1 vs. 4.9 months, p=0.037) due to the higher number of patients that resumed chemotherapy after EUS-HGS (56.7% vs. 28.1%, p=0.029). Good performance status, absence of hepatic metastases, and chemotherapy after EUS-HGS were independent predictors of longer OS. Conclusions: No migration was observed in patients treated with PCSEMS with 20-mm uncovered portions. Patients treated with PCSEMS with 20-mm uncovered portions performed at least as well as those treated with 5-mm uncovered portions in all material respects.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastrojejunostomy is a minimally invasive method for the management of gastric outlet obstruction. Conventionally, a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is used to create an anastomosis. However, LAMS is expensive and not widely available. In this report, we described a tubular fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (T-FCSEMS) for this purpose. Methods: Twenty-one patients (15 men [71.4%]; median age, 66 years; range, 40?87 years) were included in this study. A total of 19 malignant (12 pancreatic, 6 gastric, and 1 metastatic rectal cancer) and 2 benign cases were observed. The proximal jejunum was punctured with a 19 G needle. The stomach and jejunum walls were dilated with a 6 F cystotome, and a 20×80 mm polytetrafluoroethylene T-FCSEMS (Hilzo) was deployed. Oral feeding was initiated after 12 to 18 hours and solid foods after 48 hours. Results: The median procedure time was 33 minutes (range, 23?55 minutes). After two weeks, 19 patients tolerated oral feeding. In patients with malignancy, the median survival time was 118 days (range, 41?194 days). No serious complications or deaths occurred. All patients with malignancy tolerated oral food intake until they expired. Conclusions: T-FCSEMS is safe and effective. This stent should be considered as an alternative to LAMS for gastric outlet obstruction.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of guided worksheets on learning interest and self-directed learning abilities among low-achieving college learners in English classes. To achieve this, a guided worksheet was designed to provide customized tasks based on learners’ levels, incorporating structured activities and feedback to promote interaction and engagement. A total of 121 university students participated in the study. The survey data were collected through pre- and post-tests. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify the construct validity of the survey instruments, and changes in learning interest and self-directed learning ability were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. The results are as follows: First, the guided worksheet intervention significantly improved learners’ situational, emotional, and cognitive interest in English learning. Second, the use of guided worksheets also enhanced learners’ self-directed learning abilities across planning, execution, and evaluation. These results suggest that guided worksheets, designed with structured and customized elements, can effectively support low-achieving learners by increasing their learning interest and enhancing their self-directed learning abilities in college English classes.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) occurs in 2% to 25% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who do not undergo surgical intervention. Over the past decade, duodenal self-expandable metal stent (D-SEMS) has been widely used for MGOO and has demonstrated high technical (89.1% to 100%) and clinical (85.7% to 94.3%) success rates. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has emerged as a promising alternative with comparable technical (89.3% to 98.9%) and clinical (89.0% to 100%) success rates. Notably, EUS-GE reduces the 6-month reintervention rate by approximately 25% relative to D-SEMS in patients with MGOO, thus making it an increasingly popular treatment option. Despite its advantages, EUS-GE may not be suitable for patients with massive ascites, extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis, gastric linitis plastica, or an inaccessible small bowel. Moreover, EUSGE requires a longer procedure time and incurs higher overall costs, even when considering the increased reintervention rate associated with D-SEMS. While the risk of adverse events is similar between EUS-GE and D-SEMS, EUS-GE requires a higher level of operator expertise to ensure safety and may also require deeper levels of anesthesia than D-SEMS. Advancements in cancer therapy have prolonged survival in PDAC patients, but most do not require reintervention for MGOO, unlike those with other malignancies. Thus, EUS-GE may be suitable for patients with a longer life span who are willing to undergo deep anesthesia at a high-volume center with an experienced specialist. Given these considerations, more comprehensive studies are needed before EUS-GE can be recommended as a standard replacement for D-SEMS in the treatment of MGOO.

This study compared three types of portfolios (traditional portfolio, self-directed e-portfolio, and guided self-directed e-portfolio) to examine their effects on students’ writing abilities. A total of 69 university students were assigned to six different groups according to their language proficiency level and three different types of portfolios. A pretest was given in Week 7, and the treatments lasted for 7 weeks from Week 8 through Week 14. A posttest was administered in Week 15 to assess the learners’ progress. The results of the study showed that the guided self-directed e-portfolio group, which was more advanced, performed significantly better than the low-intermediate group when analyzing T-unit. Moreover, significant differences were identified when analyzing type-token ratio in the guided self-directed e-portfolio group. However, no significant differences were observed in syntactic complexity among the three different groups. This study suggests that the guided self-directed e-portfolio is more effective than the self-directed e-portfolio in enhancing learners’ writing ability in type-token ratio. The study also shows that the guided self-directed e-portfolio is more effective than the self-directed e-portfolio in promoting learners’ writing ability in Korean EFL contexts.

본 연구의 목적은 한탄강 세계지질공원 연천 지역의 "자기-안내식 해설" 매체가 방문객이 이해하기 쉽고 배경지식수준에 맞춰 작성되어 있는지 탐색하는 것이다. 이를 위해, 2022년 9월과 11월 2차례에 걸쳐 한탄강 세계지질공원을 현장 조사하고, 지질명소의 형성 시대와 지질 특성이 다양한 연천 지역을 분석 대상으로 선정하였다. 연천 지역에 존재하는 총 36개의 자기-안내식 해설 매체를 대상으로 지질명소별 해설 매체의 현황, 이독성 수준, 그래픽의 특성, 과학과 교육과정 반영 정도를 분석하였다. 연구 결과, 연천 지역 해설 매체 종류는 안내판이 가장 많고, 지질명소를 안내한 내용이 주를 이루었다. 해설 매체 텍스트의 분량은 12학년 과학 교과서보다 많고, 평균 어휘 등급은 11-12학년군 과학 교과서 수준과 유사하고, 복문의 비율이 높아 이독성이 다소 낮았다. 해설 매체에 포함된 그래픽의 종류는 사진이 가장 많고, 대부분 예시적 기능이며, 다중 구조 그래픽이 사용되어, 지질 형성 과정을 이해하는 데 도움을 주었다. 해설 매체에서 사용하는 과학 용어 중 86.3%가 2015 개정 교육과정의 "고체지구" 영역에 포함된 용어를 사용하였으며, 교육과정에 포함된 과학 용어는 4학년 수준의 용어가 가장 많았다. 선택 교육과정인 11학년 수준의 용어가 두 번째로 많고, 전체 과학 용어 중 13.7%는 교육과정에 포함되어 있지 않은 용어였다. 또한, 지질명소에 따라 해설 매체에 사용된 과학 용어 수준 차이가 나타났으며, 특히 안내판보다 홈페이지에 사용된 용어 수준이 일반적으로 높은 경향을 보였다. 본 연구 결과를 통해 연천 지역의 지질명소별 해설 매체에 따라 방문객 스스로 이해하는 데 어려움을 주는 요인을 구체적으로 파악할 수 있었다. 일반 관람객의 지질자원 교육을 활성화하고 지질학 분야의 발전을 기대할 수 있는 자기-안내식 해설 매체의 개선 방향에 대한 후속 연구를 제언하였다.

This study examined whether the "self-guided interpretation" media in the Yeoncheon area of the Hantangang River UNESCO Geopark are intelligible for visitors. Accordingly, two on-site investigations were conducted in the Hantangang River Global Geopark in September and November 2022. The Yeoncheon area, known for its diverse geological features and the era of geological attraction formation, was selected for analysis. We analyzed the readability levels, graphic characteristics, and alignment with science curriculum of the interpretive media specific to geological sites among a total of 36 self-guided interpretive media in the Yeoncheon area. Results indicated that information boards, primarily offering guidance on geological attractions, were the most prevalent type of interpretive media in the Yeoncheon area. The quantity of text in explanatory media surpassed that of a 12^th-grade science textbook. The average vocabulary grade was similar to that of 11^th- and 12^th-grade science textbooks, with somewhat reduced readability due to a high occurrence of complex sentences. Predominant graphic types included illustrative photographs, aiding comprehension of the geological formation process through multi-structure graphics. Regarding scientific terms used in the interpretive media, 86.3% of the terms were within the "Solid Earth" section of the 2015 revised curriculum, with the majority being at the 4^th-grade level. The 11^th-grade optional curriculum terms comprised the second largest portion, and 13.7% of all science terms were from outside the curriculum. Notably, variations in the scientific terminology's complexity was based on geological attractions. Specifically, the terminology level on the homepage tended to be generally higher than that on information boards. Through these findings, specific factors impeding visitor comprehension of geological attractions in the Yeoncheon area, based on the interpretation medium, were identified. We suggest further research to effect improvements in self-guided interpretation media, fostering geological resource education for general visitors and anticipating advancements in geology education.

This study analyzed problems of interpretive signs along Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail on Mt. Hallasan National Park, focusing on factors of distracting visitor’s attention from reading and understanding the signs. Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail has a total of 86 signs, and according to their purpose and content, they are classified into thirteen general signs, sixteen location signs, nine safety signs and forty-eight interpretive signs. Interpretive signs provide visitors with information and explanations about the nature and human resources of Mt. Hallasan as well as enhancing the opportunity for self-guided interpretation. The contents of interpretive signs of Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail are composed of landscapes, flora and fauna, topography, geology, history and culture, of which 70.8% of the total are related to plants and animals. Interpretive signs on the Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail do not attract visitors’ attention because of the low readability, inappropriate locations and frequent errors in translation from Korean into other languages. The causes of low readability of interpretive signs include thirty-six physically damaged and faded signs, twenty-two improper font sizes and misuse of color schemes and five unclear description signs. The reasons for the incorrect locations include twenty-two long distances from the trails, twenty-one inadequate heights and fifteen inconsistencies in descriptions and locations. Problems with English use include eight grammar and spelling errors, twenty-one incorrect translations, and twenty-six English names missing.

가독성은 글자의 읽기 쉬움의 정도를 나타내는 척도로서 해설판의 정보전달의 효과성을 결정하는 중요한 요소로 알려져 왔다. 그러나 해설판의 가독성이 탐방객의 관심유발과 해설판 읽기 행동에 어떻게 영향을 미치는지에 대한 연구는 드물다. 본 연구는 가독성과 해설판의 관심유도, 선호도. 해설판 읽기 권유의도와의 관계를 구명하기 위하여 실시되었다. 데이터 수집은2003년 8-11월중에 내장산 국립공원 내 자연관찰로 탐방객 중에서 선정된 총 375명을 대상으로 관찰로 주변에 설치된 해설판에 대한 설문조사를 통하여 이루어졌다. 이중 이용 가능한 350명의 응답이 본 연구의 분석을 위하여 이용되었다. 분석결과, 가독성은 관심유도, 선호도, 해설판 읽기 권유의도와 관련이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 가독성 이 높으면 높을수록 관심유도, 선호도, 해설판 읽기 권유의도도 높게 나타났다. 가독성과 더불어 관심유도와 선호도도 해설판 읽기권유의도와 관련이 있는 것으로 분석되었으며, 세 변수중 선호도는 해설판 읽기 권유의도에 대하여 가장 높은 설명력을 보였다. 본 연구의 결과는 해설판의 가독성을 증진시킴으로써 해설판 읽기 행동의 증대가능성을 시사하고 있다.

Readability, an indicator measuring the easiness of reading letters, has been known an important element that determines the communicative effectiveness of the self-guided interpretive signs. However, there are few studies to find out how the readability of the signs influence visitor's attraction and reading behavior of interpretive signs. This study examined the relationship between readability of interpretive signs and attraction, preferences, and intent to recommend reading signs to others. Data were collected from August to November of 2003 at a self-guided trail of Naejangsan National Park, Korea. 350 out of 375 responses from subjects who participated in the questionnaire survey were usable. Results showed that readability of the signs is related with the attraction, preferences, and intention of recommending reading signs to others. The higher the readability of the signs were, the higher the attraction, preferences, and intention of recommending reading signs were. Attraction and preferences were also positively related with intention of recommending reading signs. Preferences better explained intention of recommending reading signs than readability and attraction. These findings suggest that enhancing readability of the signs may lead to higher participation in reading them.

해설판은 자기안내식 해설에서 흔히 이용되는 정보전달 매체로서 해설효과의 극대화를 위해서는 해설판과 이를 이용하는 탐방객에 대한 이해가 필요하다. 본 연구는 중요도-성취도 분석(Importance-Performance Analysis: IPA)을 이용하여 탐방객의 인구사회학적 특성과 방문행태에 따른 자기안내식 해설판의 주요 디자인 속성에 대한 현 관리상태의 평가를 통하여 보다 효과적인 해설판 관리를 위한 기초자료를 얻기 위해 시행되었다. 자료수집은 2003년 8-9월중 내장산 국립공원 내 자연관찰로 탐방객을 대상으로 한 설문조사를 통하여 이루어 졌으며, 총 276명의 응답이 본 연구의 분석에 이용되었다. 선정된 30개 속성에 대한 IPA 결과, 여성(23.3%)이 남성(13.3%)보다, 저연령층(43.3%)이 고연령층(0.0%)보다, 고학력 그룹(36.7%)이 저학력 그룹(0.0%)보다, 중그룹(33.3%)이 대그룹(10.0%)이나 소그룹(16.7%)보다, 아동동반 그룹(66.7%)이 아동부동반 그룹(20.0%)보다 더 많은 해설판 디자인 속성에 대하여 높은 중요도와 낮은 성취도를 보여 높은 '우선시정 필요(Concentrate Here: CH)' 항목율을 나타내는 것으로 조사되었다. 특히 아동동반 그룹은 가장 높은 '우선시정 필요(CH)' 항목율을 나타냈다. 본 연구의 결과는 다양한 탐방객을 고려한 해설판 다자인의 필요성을 시사하고 있다. 또한, 표준화된 해설판 디자인 항목의 개발을 통해서 자연관찰로의 해설판에 대한 IPA 및 여타 평가수행의 신뢰성과 효율성을 기대할수 있을 것이다.

Interpretive sign is a communication medium that is often used in self-guided interpretation. Understanding interpretive signs and their users is important to maximize the effectiveness of interpretation. This study evaluated design attributes of interpretive signs by visitor's personal characteristics and visiting patterns using Importance-Performance Analysis(IPA). Data were collected from August to September of 2003 at the self-guided trail in Naejangsan National Park, Korea. Visitors using the trail participated in a questionnaire survey, and a total of 276 subiects was used for data analysis. The IPA results showed that female(23.3%) than male(13.3%), low age group(43.3%) than middle(0.0%) and high age group(0.0%), higher education group(36.7%) than lower education group(0.0%), medium size group(33.3%) than large(10.0%) or small group(16.7%), 'with child' group(66.7%) than 'without child' group(20.0%) rated higher importance and lower performance on more design attributes of the interpretive signs. These groups also showed higher rate of 'Concentrate Here(CH)' attributes that require urgent improvement. The 'with child' group showed the especially high rate of 'CH' attributes. The results suggest that interpretive signs need to be designed considering diverse user groups. It is also necessary to develop some standardized items of the sign design attributes for more efficient and reliable implementation of IPA and other evaluative works.

유도초음파의 모드전이현상에 관한 연구가 박판구조물의 두께변화에 대한 비파괴평가를 위해 수행된다. 탐촉자와 시험체간의 접촉상태에 따른 불안정성을 제거하여 보다 신뢰도높은 방법으로 유도초음파실험결과를 얻을 수 있도록 하는 자가교정과정을 통해 반사와 전달계수의 비(R/T)가 측정된다. R/T에 관한 결과들은 구조물의 두께감소를 결정하는 데 사용될 수 있다. 실험측정값과 두께변화간의 의미있는 연관성을 도출하기 위해서는 자가교정 유도초음파검사에 입사모드뿐만 아니라 전이된 이종모드까지도 함께 고려되어야 함이 증명되었다. 이 연구를 통해, 정량적 비파괴검사기법으로서의 유도초음파검사기법의 가능성이 유도초음파 산란문제에 있어 자가교정과 다중모드전이를 함께 고려함으로써 검토되었다.

The guided wave mode conversion phenomena were investigated for the NDE of a plate-like structure with thickness variation. The ratios of reflection and transmission (R/T) were measured via the self-calibrating procedure which allows us to obtain experimental guided wave data in a more reliable way regardless of the coupling uncertainty between transducer & specimen. The results on R/T could be used to determine the thickness reduction of the structure. It was shown that not only the incident modes but also the converted ones need to be considered in the self-calibrating guided wave inspection to extract a reasonable correlation between experimental data & the thickness variation. Through this study, the potential of guided wave inspection as a quantitative NDE technique was explored based on the combined concept of self-calibration & multi-mode conversion in guided wave scattering problems.