Abstract
English rhythm instruction materials (RIM) encourage users to learn English rhythms. However, when one repeats the same lesson many times, it is typical to become bored. What happens to brain waves in the event of boredom - do some brain waves change? To clarify this issue, we acquired electroencephalograms (EEG) of learners' brain waves as they repeatedly completed the same RIM lesson. We also asked them to raise their hands when they felt bored. Time-frequency analysis using fast Fourier transforms of learners' EEGs showed that the power of their α (8-12 Hz), β (8-30 Hz), and γ (30-50 Hz) waves first held constant, then decreased at many electrode regions over the course of the lesson. After the decreases in EEG power, the subjects raised their hands to indicate boredom. On the other hand, the power in the θ waves (4-8 Hz) did not change. These results suggest that the decrease in α, β, and γ power across wide regions of the skull can serve as signs of boredom among learners.
