Literacy Culture and Language Education

Poetics of Pedagogy Exploring teaching as an art of timing, attention, and aesthetic resistance Teaching is an art, and like any art, it requires rhythm, patience, and sensitivity. This month’s packet invites educators to explore pedagogy through poetry, philosophy, and reflective practice—reminding us that teaching is both ephemeral and enduring, precise and improvisational. 1. Kim So-wol – Azaleas (진달래꽃, 1925) When you go away, weary of me, I shall let you go, saying nothing. I will scatter armfuls of azaleas on your way, step by step, as you walk away. Tread gently on those flowers on your way out. When you go away, weary of me, I shall never shed a tear. Guiding Question: How does this poem speak to timing and letting go in teaching? Reflection Prompt: What parallels can we draw between the cycles of students coming and going and the tenderness in this poem? 2. Ko Un – from Ten Thousand Lives (만인보, 1980s–2000s) Mr. Pak the ferryman He rowed his boat ever...

Sincerity to Show Up for Community: South Korean Repertoires of Resistance in the Candlelight Revolution and the 2024 Impeachment Crisis Abstract This paper explores the deeply rooted cultural, historical, and social dynamics that underpin South Korea's unique forms of civic resistance. From the Candlelight Revolution of 2016-17 to the impeachment of President Yoon in 2024, it examines how ordinary citizens navigate and respond to democratic crises with business-like determination and fearless solidarity. Drawing on Charles Tilly's concept of repertoires of contention and Victor Turner's theory of liminality, this study analyzes how democratic participation has become embedded in South Korean identity, transcending barriers of gender, class, and age. The paper also reflects on the positionality of foreign residents witnessing and interpreting these events, highlighting both admiration and the precariousness of being an outsider in South Korea's democratic sphere. Throug...

Multiculturalism in South Korea: Research Compendium A curated collection of research findings, frameworks, and resources on multiculturalism and education in South Korea (compiled 2024) 1. Core Definitions Multiculturalism in Educational Context (LCLE Framework) An educational approach acknowledging diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and identities among students, educators, and communities. Emphasizes: Integration of diverse perspectives into curriculum and pedagogy Promotion of equity, inclusivity, and social justice Cultural competence and critical thinking Culturally responsive learning environments Multiculturalism in Korean Context The coexistence and interaction of different cultural groups within South Korea, encompassing: Korean nationals and immigrants from various countries Policies promoting cultural diversity and social inclusion Recognition of immigrant contributions alongside integration challenges Efforts addressing language barriers, discrimina...