About this research
OGURA Mototsugu
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)
- Specially Appointed Professor (Full-time)
Identifying English proficiency by frontal theta activity during English learning. Joint research paper by SANKEN x Shinhodo x imec published in an international journal.
The results will open up the future of learning from the EdTech and neuroscience frontlines. New indicator for evaluating English learners' proficiency using brainwaves has been established.
On May 13, 2025, the results of research conducted by Shinhodo Inc., whose mission is "Enriching human experiences through education" (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Shintaro Ogura) in collaboration with SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), the Graduate School of Human Sciences, The University of Osaka, and the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (imec) have been published in Discover Education under the title "Identifying English proficiency by frontal theta activity during English learning.
In this study, the research group proposed a new method to non-invasively and quickly assess learners' English proficiency by utilizing electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected during English learning.
Research Background and Purpose
In today's increasingly globalized society, English has become an essential communication tool in the fields of research and business. Although it is important to accurately measure learners' proficiency in English education, traditional test formats have required tremendous effort and time to prepare and implement. The purpose of this research is to use EEG to measure learners' levels of concentration and utilize this as a new evaluation indicator of English proficiency.
Summary of Research Findings: Identifying English proficiency by theta activity
In this paper, the researchers used electroencephalogram (EEG) to analyze the relationship between frontal theta activity and English proficiency in subjects learning English.
Major Achievements
Frontal theta activity was compared between beginner English learners (TOEIC scores below 730) and advanced English learners (TOEIC scores above 730). The results were that advanced English learners showed higher frontal theta activity during English learning compared to beginner English learners. This is thought to reflect differences in the level of concentration on learning due to differences in English proficiency. This research demonstrated the possibility of objectively measuring English proficiency from brainwave activity without relying on traditional tests.
Future Developments
Shinhodo will continue to strengthen its collaboration with academia, including The University of Osaka, and constantly research and develop learning optimization through EEG measurement and learning evaluation. In the future, the research group will plan to extend its application beyond education to a wide range of fields, including medicine, corporate training, and cultural education, while disseminating the Japanese "neuroscience EdTech" model to the world.
Notes
The article, “Identifying English proficiency by frontal theta activity during English learning,” was published in Discover Education (Springer Nature) at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00517-3.
