Shizuka SAKURAI　Associate Professor

Fields	Second Language Acquisition, Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Researcher Map	https://researchmap.jp/ssakurai

Having lived in various places, including the United States and New Zealand, I have gained extensive experience in international and multicultural environments. I received my MA and PhD degrees in Linguistics from Michigan State University and have devoted many years to foreign language education, both in Japan and abroad. Currently serving as the Vice Chair of the English Committee at Tohoku University, I contribute to managing the university-wide English curriculum, materials development, and support for English faculty. My research primarily focuses on enhancing academic English listening skills for EFL learners, with a specific interest in note-taking and summarizing. Recently, I have been developing academic listening materials using AI and exploring the effectiveness of AI and online materials in English writing activities. In my classes, I strive to create an environment where learners actively improve their English skills through engaging and interactive learning experiences.