SooYun Lee Kim, PhD

Teaching has always been both an exhilarating and deeply fulfilling journey for me. My passion for education began early, shaped by my parents, who dedicated over 30 years to the field. From them, I learned the importance of fostering a positive classroom atmosphere and building meaningful connections between language input and output. These values continue to guide my approach to teaching today. During my PhD studies in Foreign, Second, and Multilingual Language Education at The Ohio State University, I had the opportunity to teach in the Korean language program as a part-time lecturer. This experience further strengthened my commitment to Korean language pedagogy and student-centered instruction.

My teaching philosophy centers on creating input-rich, interaction-driven classrooms where students feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their mistakes. I believe that helping students recognize what they don’t yet know is just as important as reinforcing what they already understand. Developing this metalinguistic awareness builds confidence, encourages self-directed learning, and supports long-term motivation. In my classes, I incorporate authentic materials and multimedia resources to reflect contemporary Korean society and connect with students’ diverse interests and backgrounds.