Q&A with Our Director

Self Q&A: Director Soon-mi Kwon

Berkeley Language School

 

 

 

 

1. What is your educational philosophy?

My educational philosophy revolves around "living, conversation-centered learning" and "acquiring foreign languages through speech." The core principles are as follows:

 

• English as a Communication Tool: Emphasizing meaningful expression over flawless pronunciation.
• Practical Approach: Focusing on learning through speaking, even for students who are unfamiliar with the alphabet.
• Confidence Building: Prioritizing confidence in English through consistent practice during class, rather than overwhelming students with excessive tasks.
• Feeling and Meaning-Centered: Encouraging students to connect with words through their emotions and meanings, making English an enjoyable experience.
• Character Education: Aiming to develop not just English proficiency, but also the character and personality of students, shaping them into well-rounded communicators.
• Play and Experience-Based Learning: Creating an engaging and enjoyable learning environment through play and real-life experiences.

Through this approach, I strive to help students acquire English in a practical, effective, and enjoyable way.

 

 

2. What makes Berkeley Language School stand out from other English kindergartens in Korea? 

Berkeley Language School differentiates itself from typical English kindergartens in Korea in several key ways:

 

• Emphasis on Self-Directed Learning that is Stress-Free: Unlike many Korean English kindergartens, which often adopt a competitive and academically-focused approach, Berkeley Language School removes compulsory homework and tests, allowing children to find the joy of learning on their own. We create an environment where children can enjoy learning English without stress.
• Prioritization of Character Education: The school places a strong emphasis not only on English proficiency but also on character development. It encourages polite behavior and the use of respectful language, helping children grow into socially aware and well-rounded individuals.
• Development of Creative Thinking: Beyond simple language learning, the school fosters critical thinking and creativity. This is in contrast to the typical Korean approach, which often focuses primarily on vocabulary, reading, and writing.
• Experienced-based Learning: We designate every Friday as "Special Day," during which we organize picnics or events. These activities allow children to gain diverse experiences and naturally acquire English in an engaging and fun way.
• Small Class Sizes: We limit class sizes to 13 students, ensuring close interaction between teachers and students. Additionally, we assign a teaching assistant alongside the homeroom teacher. 

With these distinctive features, Berkeley Language School provides a more integrated and natural English learning experience compared to traditional English kindergartens in Korea.

 

 

3. Can you describe your leadership style and how it applies to managing an academy? 

My leadership style is student-centered, innovative, and forward-moving.

 

• Innovative, Student-Centered Teaching Approach: I focus on teaching “practical English” through conversation-centered education that prioritizes real-life communication skills, rather than overwhelming students with excessive assignments. I strive to make the English learning process enjoyable for both students and teachers. This approach is unconventional in Korea, where most schools typically emphasize memorization and academically-focused learning.
• Continuous Development: I also prioritize ensuring and maintaining high-quality education and training for all of our teachers. With 20 years of experience, I am committed to fostering long-term, sustainable growth for both teachers and students.

I believe this leadership style is reflected in the school’s operations and its focus on continuous improvement and the success of both students and staff.

 

 

4. How do you handle conflicts between teachers, staff, or parents?

My conflict resolution strategies can be described as follows:

 

• Fostering an Open Communication Culture:
  • Provide continuous opportunities for meetings and discussions among teachers, staff, and parents to maintain an open channel of communication.
• Educational Programs:
  • Implement educational programs for parents to help them develop a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
  • Offer conflict management and communication training for staff to ensure effective handling of issues.
• Ensuring Fairness:
  • Use a fairness checklist in the decision-making process to ensure transparency and impartiality.
  • Gather feedback from staff through committees such as the Personnel Committee and School Management Committee to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
• Collaborative Projects:
  • Plan and implement projects that encourage collaboration among teachers, staff, and parents, ensuring everyone is actively involved in the school's initiatives.

These strategies aim to promote a harmonious environment, build trust, and create a community that works together to resolve conflicts constructively.

 

 

5. How does the leadership staff at the school support the teachers?

 

Berkeley Language School follows a homeroom system, prioritizing the development of strong, personal connections between teachers and students. This structure fosters open and effective communication between instructors and the school administration.

My educational philosophy, which centers on "learning English through feelings and meaning," is brought to life through ongoing dialogue and feedback with the teaching staff. This collaborative approach ensures that the teaching methods are consistently aligned with the school’s core values, creating a supportive and cohesive environment for both students and educators.