Student Voices: Agnes

I enrolled in the ILE: TESOL Program at Soka University from 2018 to 2020, and joining the program was a valuable experience for me. I was able to deepen my understanding of TESOL and learner-centered education. The program provides students with a supportive learning environment to engage in class discussions, develop research skills, and apply theory to practice. Through collaborative and reflective learning throughout the program, I gained valuable insights into fostering learner autonomy and motivation — key areas of my research and teaching. The program also gave me the confidence to teach at the university level, where I currently teach as a lecturer. In addition to teaching, I manage a self-access center and provide advising sessions, applying insights from program that promote independent learning. The emphasis on critical thinking and professional growth in the ILE: TESOP Program continues to shape my teaching philosophy, inspiring me to explore innovative approaches that empower students in their language-learning journeys.