My journey as a learner has evolved significantly over the years, shaped by both traditional and modern educational approaches. More recently, I developed an interest in learning French and enrolled in a nearby French language school, where I studied at the A1 level. It was there that I was introduced to a range of innovative teaching methods that were both refreshing and transformative. Techniques such as TTT (Test-Teach-Test), PPP (Presentation, Practice, Production), and the integration of multimedia—like movie snippets and interactive exercises—made the learning experience lively, engaging, and deeply enjoyable. For the first time, I felt learning wasn’t just about absorbing information but about participating in a dynamic process of discovery and application.

This stood in stark contrast to my experience as a secondary school student in the 1990s. At that time, the prevailing model of education was rigid and centered heavily on rote memorization. We were expected to learn definitions, formulas, and concepts by heart, and reproduce them word-for-word during exams. The classroom dynamic was largely didactic: teachers were the sole authority, and students were passive recipients. Creativity and critical thinking were rarely nurtured, and alternative viewpoints were often discouraged.

When I transitioned to university in the late 1990s and early 2000s, I encountered a different academic environment. The focus shifted to critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and individual interpretation. We were encouraged to analyze ideologies, challenge assumptions, and articulate our own perspectives. In exams, uniformity of answers was no longer the goal—what mattered was the strength of our reasoning and our grasp of the underlying principles.

However, this shift posed challenges for many of us. Years of conditioning under a memorization-based system made it difficult to adapt to this more open and analytical style of learning. As a result, despite the change in expectations, many students—including myself—still defaulted to cramming definitions and rehearsed explanations, struggling to fully embrace this new paradigm.

Experiencing a modern, learner-centered approach while studying French was a revelation. It made me reflect deeply on how different my early education might have been if I had been taught using these more interactive and inclusive methods. Learning no longer felt like a chore; it felt empowering.

This realization has had a profound impact on me. It sparked a genuine desire to pursue a career in teaching—one where I can contribute to a more engaging, thoughtful, and empowering educational experience for others. I am passionate about creating classroom environments that foster curiosity, encourage active participation, and develop critical thinking skills. My goal is to move away from outdated rote-learning practices and instead cultivate a space where students feel inspired to explore, question, and grow.