Tracking individual auditory attention during learning via EEG-based neural envelope tracking

Attention is essential for classroom learning, yet measuring it during learning remains challenging. Traditional behavioural measures are often subjective and lack the precision needed to capture moment-to-moment shifts between on-topic and off-topic attention. This study explores the potential of EEG (Electroencephalography)-based neural envelope tracking (NET) as an indicator of external on-topic auditory attention to the teacher’s voice. Unlike more traditional EEG-measures of attention, NET considers where attention is directed to by correlating the teacher’s voice with the EEG-decoded stimulus. EEG data were collected while participants (n = 30) watched a video lecture on neuromyths that included attention manipulations (e.g., distraction, enhancement). Participants also provided self-reported attention ratings and completed a performance test on its content. The results indicated that NET was sensitive to decreases in external on-topic attention during distractions, supporting the potential of NET as an indicator of external on-topic auditory attention during learning.