Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Interests: Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Staffing, Collective Bargaining, Strategic HRM, HR Analytics, and Research Methods

My primary goal as a professor is to assist students in becoming self-directed learners and effectively managing their education by supporting them based on their motivation and values. However, the path to graduation is not equally easy for all students. Students from low-income backgrounds, minorities, and first-generation students often face significant challenges in completing a college degree. For example, first-generation college students are motivated to attend college but easily discouraged by obstacles as they often lack the cultural capital to support college completion. I use Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to create strategies that boost students' motivation. SDT posits that students are intrinsically motivated when their three basic psychological needs are met:

·       Autonomy (i.e., a sense of control in learning)

·       Competence (i.e., feeling competent in learning activities)

·       Relatedness (i.e., feeling connected with the community)

The following paragraph describes my strategies to facilitate an engaging environment supporting students' autonomy, competence, and relatedness. 

Promoting Autonomy It is common for students to balance academic demands, work, and personal life as they have multiple responsibilities. I give students control over how they meet the learning objectives that align with their values, priorities, and beliefs. For example, if students request an extension for the assignment deadline, I ask for the number of days needed and adjust the deadline accordingly. This approach helps students to become more self-aware of their learning process and improves their decision-making and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I offer evening Zoom office hours seven days a week, considering many students have full-time or part-time jobs. By providing flexibility in terms of time and format, students have better control over their learning experience.

I think this course was really interesting and the strengths are that the material is easy to follow along to. Professor Sunjin was one of my top two nicest professors I have had in my lifetime of school which consists of five and a half years. He genuinely cares for his students, encouraging us along the way, congratulating everyone for passing his class with a positive attitude all the time. I wish I would have taken more classes with him. He always helpful and consistent with his teachings. Unlike other professors that I have had this semester, Professor Sunjin wants his students to succeed and he does his best with ensuring we do. Thank you for a wonderful class. (Fall 2020, Collective Bargaining)

Strengthening in Competency I use two strategies to enhance students' confidence in achieving their goals: providing resources to explore career options and removing obstacles that prevent students from taking advantage of learning and career opportunities. I utilize Occupational Outlook Handbook and ONET to help students identify entry-level education, licenses, and skills required for specific jobs, job descriptions, and work environments, this encourages them to actively seek opportunities and resources beyond campus. I also inform students about resources on campus, such as tutoring services, job fairs, and volunteering opportunities.

Dr. Pak was fantastic. His teaching style was very innovative, with his use of technology for most things in class. (Spring 2020, Human Resources Management)

Very energetic and cared a lot for students. Tried to make the course more interactive and get more hands-on participation from students. (Fall 2022, Human Resources Management)

Buttressing Relatedness Students often feel isolated due to balancing academic demands and work or family responsibilities. To combat this, I use two approaches to promote social connectedness among diverse communities: Firstly, I promote and practice diversity across various identities by using students' chosen names rather than their given names. This shows respect for the individual's identity and creates an inclusive environment for all students, including international students, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming. Secondly, as an advisor of Society for Human Resource Management student club, I provide opportunities for students to meet and network with other students, faculty, and professionals in their field of interest, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students.

This course is very applicable to my future. Learning how to work with others within an organization is valuable information. The class was very structured, organized, and forced us to work as a team together. No need for improvement. (Fall 2020, Organizational Behavior)

Dr. Pak is a great professor who really works hard to provide feedback and ways to improve his class. This class added value to my future by providing me with information about management, labor relations, unions, NLRA, and workers rights. As always his class is enjoyable and it was a privilege to have him as a Professor again. (Fall 2020 Collective Bargaining)

As a faculty member, I will actively contribute to the growth of the next generation of students by creating an open, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere that addresses students' needs for autonomy, competence, and social connections.

References

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.