Welcome to the newest edition of our Teacher-Scholar Spotlight, illuminating PhD students’ insights on teaching and learning! Each month we’ll share the experiences of PhD students who have engaged in Bok Center programming and what they’ve learned about and from teaching.
Minjin Chae, G4 in Sociology
Summarize your research in 2 sentences.
I’m broadly interested in uncovering the extent to which choices and decisions, perceived as voluntary and rational by individuals, are in fact deeply embedded in social structures. More specifically, my research centers on the ways in which workers’ preferences regarding work hours, alongside managers’ decisions on task allocation and compensation, are shaped by prevailing gender relations and family structures.
What have you learned from teaching?
In my student days, my goals often felt ambiguous and vague. However, stepping into the role of teacher, I found my goals have become much clearer. Being a teacher has not only helped me make sure that my students grasp these objectives, but it has also significantly improved my ability to write in a way that is easy for my readers to understand. Also, holding office hours, advising on final papers, and addressing concerns about grades and quizzes have enhanced my communication skills in various ways.
How did you get involved with the Bok Center?
I had to take a course for international TFs to improve my English language proficiency.
What is something you learned in a Bok Seminar that you’ll use in the future?
I didn’t attend college in the US, and the concept of a 'section' was unfamiliar to me, so initially, I was very nervous about having to teach one. However, the Bok Seminar prepared me well for what to expect both from students and in my role as a section leader. Practicing the core aspects of teaching - explaining the key concepts and delivering a presentation - has been incredibly helpful for me. Also, being exposed to knowledge about common experiences of section leaders, and realizing that challenges are not unique to me, has boosted my confidence.
What would you say to PhD students about why they should get involved with the Bok Center?
What I really appreciate about discussing my teaching with Bok Center staff is the absence of judgment and the constructive feedback I receive from them. Many of us experience moments of self-doubt about our teaching, especially when juggling research responsibilities. In these moments, having the Bok Center staff observe my class and provide a third-party perspective has been so helpful. Their feedback is comprehensive, highlighting areas for improvement while also helping me recognize my strengths – something that's not always easy to do independently. This balanced view of my teaching has given me the energy and insight to continually enhance my teaching.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I studied history during college, so I never took an introduction to sociology as a college student. However, I'm now teaching this course for the second year in a row!
Have you been working with the Bok Center this year? Do you want to be featured in the Teacher-Scholar spotlight? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!