Takashi, 44 years old, is a Japanese man who participates regularly in NeU Corp's Active Brain Club (ABC, Thinkie's Japanese brand). We've translated this interview where Takashi discusses how exploring different methods for staying focused has helped him better learn English.
Q: For how long, and how often, have you studied English?
A: I've been taking online English lessons for over five years. I try to take one lesson per week. Recently, I haven't felt like I'm making much progress, so I wanted to find a way concentrate a little more during my lessons.
Q: What positive changes have you made in your study of English?
A: I tried taking lessons using the ABC (Thinkie) brain sensor's Brain Meter function to check my concentration levels and focusing on the color changes on my smartphone's screen.
Q: How has Thinkie's Brain Meter changed the effect of your lessons and your learning style?
A: I've learned a few things:
- Lessons with instructors who speak a little faster turn the screen pink and my brain becomes more active
- Lessons after drinking alcohol make me feel like I'm speaking well, but the screen remains blue and my brain doesn't function properly
- Lessons when I'm sleepy leave the screen blue, indicating that my brain isn't functioning as well
I've found that instructors who speak faster require me to concentrate more, as I try to listen to them more intently. Alternatively, a slow-paced instructor causes both me and my brain to relax, and I get less out of the lesson.
Q: Are there any other positive changes you have noticed using ABC (Thinkie)?
A: I've also realized that, while taking lessons after drinking alcohol may be good for changing your mood and relaxing, it's not good for learning English. I skip my lesson if I've been drinking! My brain activity is also low when I'm sleepy, so I try to take a 15-minute nap before a lesson.
Q: Has Brain Meter had any other effect on your learning?
A: I was surprised when my smartphone screen turned completely pink while I was playing a game of Concentration with my kids. I plan to continue using the brain activity sensor to study more efficiently and make my brain work harder.
*These are personal opinions. Results may vary from person to person.
Active Brain Club is operated by NeU Corp. NeU is a brain science company established by Tohoku University and Hitachi High-Tech.