Tohoku University has decided to continue the memorandum of understanding it signed in 2019 with ETS, a US non-profit organization that provides English language assessment tests and English language learning support tools, and has re-signed the memorandum. Tohoku University places the TOEFL® English assessment test provided by ETS at the center of its undergraduate programs, and will continue to use the test to improve students' English skills so that they can be active on the world stage.
According to Tohoku University, in 2019 the university became the first Japanese university to sign a memorandum of understanding with ETS regarding English education and research, and has since used TOEFL® content in English education for first- and second-year undergraduate students.
English proficiency is essential for Japanese people to be active globally, demonstrating logical thinking and problem-solving skills backed by a broad range of education. Tohoku University has become the only candidate for certification as an internationally outstanding research university in Japan, and as this will enable the university to nurture more researchers and students who can be active overseas than ever before, the university decided to continue the memorandum of cooperation.
The memorandum of understanding states:
・Improve the quality of English education at universities
・Utilizing assessment methods such as monitoring learning progress after enrollment
・Joint research aimed at improving curricula and educational programs
・Joint academic activities and external dissemination of research results
・Improve teachers' English skills through joint seminars and workshops
-- and other measures will be implemented.
reference:Tohoku University and ETS sign Memorandum of Understanding on English Language Education
