What inspired you towards a career in science?
Mathematics furnishes individuals with foundational skills for daily life. Supporting students with diverse learning needs, I’ve experienced that learning how to count and mathematical problem-solving are essential skills to help them attain success in their schools and careers. I have seen students learn how to communicate and live independently by solving various mathematics-related problems. All of these inspired me to keep up my research and disseminate effective instructional practices to both pre- and in-service teachers who teach students struggling to learn mathematics.
What did you study and where?
I studied special education and English language and literature in the Bachelor of Arts program at Ewha Woman's University in South Korea. I then went on to earn my Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Texas at Austin in the area of learning disabilities. What was the topic of the first thesis you wrote? My dissertation was titled “Effects of a Web-Based Strategic, Interactive Computer Application (Fun Fraction) on the Performance of Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities in Solving Word Problems with Fractions and Multiplication.”
Why did you choose that topic?
My research has focused on developing mathematics lessons, designing effective instructional features using technology, and investigating their effectiveness among students with mathematics learning disabilities. Despite the importance of developing fractions and word problem-solving skills in elementary school grades, many students demonstrate difficulty understanding quantitative reasoning related to fractions. Thus, I wanted to develop an interactive computer application that combined cognitive strategies with virtual manipulatives and investigate it with a pilot study incorporating a single-case design.
Which role do you have right now and what are you investigating?
I am an assistant professor of special education at the Department of Education at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), located in Texas, the United States. I am teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in special education programs, focusing on instructional programming for students with high-incidence disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders). I also serve on a faculty committee at WTAMU’s Center for Learning Disabilities and advocate for individuals and families of children with disabilities. Collaborating with school partners and faculties across mathematics and computer science departments, I am working on investigating text structures of mathematical word problems, developing technology-mediated mathematics interventions, and investigating their efficacy and social validity among students and teachers.
What are the most enjoyable and the less enjoyable aspects of your daily routine?
The most enjoyable thing that I do in my daily routine is drinking a drip of coffee and reading the education and technology news in the morning. One of the least enjoyable aspects is that information is changing too fast, and I need to spend much of my time learning new systems and going through new training.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt during your career so far?
As an educator, I have learned that understanding each individual’s strengths and respecting their diversity is important. Everyone has something special—either internal or external traits or skills. Because we are all different, we cannot and should not define students’ potential through a one-time judgement or an unbending standard. I always strive to find each student’s potential and strengths, in and outside of the classroom, and throughout the semester, so that all students can grow and together enjoy the process of finding out what makes us special.
What was the most challenging moment of your career, and how did you go through it?
Because everyone’s communication skills and cultural backgrounds are different, I need to keep their cultural and linguistic diversity and sensitivities in mind. Sometimes, it took time to translate my academic and research-based thinking process to child and family-centred voices. Realizing that I start to speak quickly and in high tones when I discuss topics of my area and interest, I often check with my audience to ensure they follow my discussions.
If you could travel in time, is there a career decision you would like to change and why?
I do not want to change my career decisions. I have always planned ahead every day, monthly and yearly. Although there were times when I have failed and could not accomplish what I planned, those moments were another opportunity to think differently and move forward. Therefore, I would follow a similar career path regardless of defining moments in my career trajectory.
Do you have any regrets career-wise?
I don’t have regrets because I did try to do what I could at each opportunity and a turning point. I wanted to support students struggling to learn and help children and their families worldwide. My plans and dreams are still in progress. Thus, I know that I could make mistakes, yet all those moments will be another lesson learned that will help me help others.
Who are your role models?
My mom has been my life role model. She is also a mathematics teacher and has supported many students with learning difficulties and disabilities from various cultural backgrounds. She has always emphasized her persistent belief that anyone can do things and that everyone needs to learn to live. Her teaching ethics and love for her family and neighbours have always inspired me.
Do you have a mentor?
In my doctoral program, my academic adviser, Dr Diane P. Bryant, has been my mentor.
What did the mentor(s) teach you?
She showed me how to be a good educator and researcher. When I first shared my ideas for my dissertation and my plan to develop an instructional software program in the area of mathematical problem-solving, she allowed me to progress at my own pace and believed that I could complete it. I’ve learned that educators need to keep having expectations of students while understanding that they learn through different processes and at different paces.
Which advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I would tell myself that sometimes I might fail, and that it is okay if my ideas are different from those of others. As I have always trusted myself since elementary school, don’t worry about results, whether they were what you planned or not. The outcomes will be another opportunity for a new path in life.
What is your advice for young students who are unsure/undecided about their careers?
The decision that we make today will supplement any future decision. Plan ahead and try it, rather than regretting not trying it. The plan can take more effort and ingenuity than we thought, and it might be that nobody, not even our best friends, shares our understanding of the importance of what we are attempting. Careers and dreams can be changed and hindered by many factors surrounding us. However, don’t give up; keep trying and learning more until you reach your goals. Then, you can plan a new life goal and new things, collaborating with others and sharing what you have learned.
Copyright © 2022 Stem Mentor - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy