Saranyaraja Muthumaniraja
Lecturer, Ferris University (2024 – Present)
Ph.D. Research Scholar, The NorthCap University, India
Lead Facilitator, Global Lingua Pathways
Professional Biography
Professor Saranyaraja Muthumaniraja is a full-time lecturer at Ferris University, Japan, and a PhD research scholar at The NorthCap University, India, with a focus on language education and cross-cultural academic exchanges. Her PhD research broadly explores themes in language education, examining challenges and strategies that support effective language learning, particularly for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Professor Muthumaniraja is passionate about fostering inclusive educational environments and exploring innovative approaches to enhance English language learning, drawing on both her experiences in India and Japan.
With extensive experience in teaching English language skills at prestigious Japanese institutions, Saranya has developed a reputation for her student-centered approach, integrating technology, gamification, and innovative methodologies. Her teaching portfolio includes the following universities:
Ferris University (2024 – Present): Full-time lecturer, teaching various English communication courses and mentoring students.
J.F. Oberlin University (Part-Time Lecturer): Teaching core subjects in English communication.
Chiba National University (2023- 2024): Taught English communication skills and Academic writing to Advanced level students.
Toyo University (2023- 2024): Taught English communication skills, particularly listening and speaking.
Waseda University (2021 – 2022): Taught communication skills to intermediate-level students.
Tamagawa University (2019 – 2022): Taught all four English skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to lower-intermediate students.
Yokohama National University (2018 – 2022): Taught presentation skills to engineering students and academic discussion and writing to economics students.
University of Electro-Communications (2019 – 2022): Taught English for specific purposes to advanced-level engineering students.
Tama University of Global Studies (2016 – 2019): Taught academic English as part of the AEP (Academic English Program), developing students' skills in reading, listening, vocabulary, and academic writing.
Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages (2014 – 2016): Focused on foundation English and communication strategies for students ranging from pre-intermediate to advanced levels.
YMCA Japan (2014 – 2016): Taught English to students across age groups, from kindergarten to adult learners.
Shane English Schools Japan (2015 – 2016): Taught English to kindergarten and junior high school students.
Indian International School, Japan (2013 – 2014): Taught social science to high school students.
Little Angels International School Japan (2014 – 2015): Taught science and IT to elementary students.
Her roles across these institutions have allowed her to engage with a diverse student population, adapting her approach to meet the needs of learners from various educational and cultural backgrounds. Professor Saranyaraja experience encompasses business English, academic skills, English for specific purposes (ESP), and extensive use of educational technology to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
Academic Background and Journey
Professor Saranyaraja Muthumaniraja holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and an MBA in Business Administration from Periyar University, in addition to certifications in CLIL (Oxford TEFL, 2020) and Trinity Cert TESOL (Shane English School, 2014). Her diverse academic and professional background has enabled her to contribute to the fields of language education, academic skills development, and educational technology. Her research interests include Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), technology in the classroom, and the development of presentation and communication skills among non-native English speakers.
Recent Conference Presentations
“Mobile Assisted Language Use in Reading Comprehension” - Myshare Event, JALT Yokohama, December 9, 2017
“Mobile Assisted Language Use in Japanese Classrooms” - 16th AsiaTEFL International Conference, University of Macau, China, June 27, 2018
“Quizlet for a Review” - 54th RELC International Conference and 5th Asia-Pacific LSP and Professional Communication Association Conference, Singapore, March 11-13, 2019
"Educators and AI: Bridging the Gap - An Exploration of Teachers' Experiences with AI Writing Assistants in Educational Settings" - STRIDE International Conference, NorthCap University, Gurugram, December 14-16, 2023
"Transforming Education: Analyzing the Development and Influence of Automated Grading and Feedback Systems" - 1st National Conference on Emerging Trends in Science & Technology, Government Engineering College, West Champaran, Bihar, April 26-27, 2024
"A Comparative Analysis of the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) in Japan and the Effective Communication Program in India" - Prof. Nd George & Prof. NA Ouseph Memorial International Conference on ELT, St. Thomas College, Thrissur, Kerala, India, August 7-8, 2024
"Analyzing AI Writing Tools Usage among Japanese EFL Learners" - International Conference on Technological Innovations in Multidisciplinary Engineering and Sciences, NorthCap University, Gurugram, September 6-7, 2024
Attended National Virtual Workshop on Online Research Tools and Techniques - ELTAI Kandesh Chapter, September 19, 2024
Publications
Muthumaniraja, S. (2018). Mobile assisted language use in reading comprehension. The Journal of Saitama City Educators. Retrieved from https://yojalt.org/journalissues/JSCE2018-64.pdf
Muthumaniraja, S. (2019). The share of smartphone usage in learning English. Annual Report of JACET SIG on ESP, 20. Retrieved from https://jacet-esp-kanto.org/annual-journal/
Muthumaniraja, S. (2020). Quizlet® live for vocabulary review. The Center for English as a Lingua Franca Journal, 6. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.15045/ELF_0060108
Muthumaniraja, S. (2021). Improving oral fluency practice in presentation classes through "Structured Fluency Practice Model." The Center for English as a Lingua Franca Journal, 1. https://doi.org/10.15045/00001566
Muthumaniraja, S. (2023). Introducing a CLIL-based speaking battle task for university-level ESP learners in Japan. The Center for English as a Lingua Franca Journal, 3. https://doi.org/10.15045/0002000077
Muthumaniraja, S., Khurana, P., and Vashisht, D. (2025). A Comparative Analysis of Student Perceptions of English Language Programs in Japan and India: Effectiveness, Satisfaction, Confidence, Support, and Recommendation. i-manager’s Journal on English Language Teaching, 15(1), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.15.1.21251
Workshops and Seminars
1. Chief Guest & Invited Speaker - International Conference on Multifaceted Perspectives of English and Tamil Literature Organized by the Department of English & Tamil, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women (Autonomous), affiliated to Periyar University, Tamil Nadu, India Topic: Beyond Textbooks – Rethinking English Language Education in India through Global Insights 12 February 2025.
2. Invited Speaker -Research Tools for Enhancing Literature Research Organized by the Research and International Partnerships Centre, Stella Maris College (Autonomous) Description: Delivered a seminar on advanced research tools for literature review and academic writing. 10 February 2025
3. Workshop Resource Person- One-Day International Workshop on Blended Learning: Traditional Learning Meets Technological Learning Organized by the Department of English, K.S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India Description: Conducted a session on integrating technology in traditional classroom settings for English learning 14 February 2025
Degrees and Certifications
Ph.D. Research Scholar, The NorthCap University, India (Ongoing)
CLIL Certification, Oxford TEFL (2020)
Trinity Cert TESOL, Shane English School (2014)
MBA, Periyar University (2008)
Bachelor of Commerce, Periyar University (2006)
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Regular presenter at international conferences.
Judge at the All Japan Student English Presentation Contest, 2015.
Published author in prominent journals on topics such as English communication, EFL, Mobile-Assisted Language Learning, and Educational Technology.
As a dedicated educator and researcher, Saranyaraja Muthumaniraja strives to inspire and guide her students, fostering confident, effective communicators who are prepared for both local and global opportunities. Her passion for bridging language equity gaps, especially addressing the ESL-EFL divide, fuels her commitment to supporting underrepresented language learners. Professor Saranyaraja envisions expanding her research on language equity and fostering impactful cross-cultural academic exchanges between India and Japan.
In alignment with these goals, she serves as the lead facilitator of Global Lingua Pathways, whose motto, "From Words to Worlds," encapsulates her vision of transforming language skills into life-changing opportunities. Through this platform, she aims to create meaningful opportunities that empower students to connect across cultures and thrive in an interconnected world.
