Comparative Analysis of Learning Responses to Programming and Second Languages Using Biometric Measurements

In Japan, the “Course of Study” established in 2016 emphasizes the importance of early introduction of English language and programming education in response to internationalization and globalization trends. Although numerous studies have explored the commonalities and teaching methods of foreign and programming languages, most have relied solely on surveys. This study aimed to examine the similarities and differences in 18 types of biometric data collected while learners of both languages were answering the similar sort of problem sets carefully created for English and a programming language. An analysis of three factors revealed no significant differences (all p-values $\gt0.05$) in biometric measurements between the two types of languages. In addition, a detailed post hoc analysis showed that, although a significant difference in heart rate was observed, this difference was influenced by the problem category rather than the language type. Therefore, the well-established know-how of English learning may be applicable to programming learning.