With the new school year, Centurions welcomed teacher Jini Shim as she took over Cypress’ Korean program. By bringing a passion for education and a creative approach to teaching, Shim guides her students through the rewarding yet challenging journey of learning Korean. Through the incorporation of engaging activities and a welcoming atmosphere, Shim encourages Centurions to embrace vulnerability, be willing to make mistakes, and discover the true power of language.
From the beginning, Shim has always had a passion for teaching. Throughout high school and college, she often tutored people, fostering a sense of curiosity and determination to teach. “I always wanted to know good strategies and tips for learners… and one day, a professor from San Diego State actually offered that I try teaching a course,” Shim recalled, noting the moment that kick-started her teaching career. This experience pushed her to delve into the teaching field and experiment with how she can best benefit students.
One strategy Shim has found to work is the inclusion of “silly activities” to help students naturally absorb the material. “At times, some of the songs we do in class might seem a bit childish, but it really helps with learning,” She reflected. Shim highlights the importance of building foundational skills and creating a classroom with an “atmosphere of having fun together and game-like settings,” while also encouraging students to try new activities.
Another tactic Shim utilizes is catering to her students’ skill levels by ensuring that everyone gets a fair opportunity to learn, no matter their proficiency. “I really like her teaching style because she separates us into two different groups for the people who don’t know Korean and for those who do,” Junior Ava Kim remarked. This division allows students to be surrounded by others with a similar skill level, so that everyone can improve their learning together. It also gives Shim the opportunity to provide more tailored support and build a deeper understanding of where her students are at in their proficiency.
Learning a new language isn’t just about understanding words and phrases; it’s also about building the confidence and knowledge to use it. When developing new skills, there will inevitably be a trial-and-error process, so Shim encourages students to be willing to make mistakes since it’s part of the learning experience. “Students usually don’t want to show that they’re bad at something. So they don’t try it, they don’t speak it, or they don’t write it because they don’t want to make mistakes. But I say, just be vulnerable because that’s the best way to learn,” Shim said, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and trying new things. “Even if you don’t have a Korean family or Korean friends, I think it’s worth it just for the sake of learning about another writing system,” Shim added. She emphasized how her class is open to anyone willing to give it a try and helps develop new speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Shim’s class not only fulfills students’ World Language requirement, but it also serves as the perfect option for those who aren’t interested in the other languages offered at Cypress. “Spanish and French didn’t really appeal to me, and ASL had no space. So after freshman year, I saw that Korean was starting and joined for fun,” Junior Cynthia Vu recalled. In her second year of Korean, she finds herself adjusting to Shim’s new teaching style and embracing the creative activities she’s provided. From a day-in-the-life vlog to an all-about-me paper, Vu exhibits creativity with every project while practicing her newly learned Korean skills.
Whether students are looking to take a language course or are gravitated towards Korean culture, they are encouraged to join Shim’s Korean class. “I recommend other students to take Ms. Shim’s class because it’s really easy to learn Korean from her.” Sophomore Rebecca Ha noted. Ha admires Shim’s ability to engage students and include everyone, creating the best possible learning environment. With her captivating curriculum that exercises communication, creativity, and curiosity, Shim provides an exceptional language learning experience, empowering students to broaden their perspective and gain versatile skills.
