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Writer's pictureRina Deshpande

Teaching Profile: Meet Professor Rachel Um

Updated: Nov 26



Dr. Rachel Eunjoon Um is Director of Operations and Learning at the NYU SPS Learning and Teaching Nexus. For over 25 years, Rachel has worked as an educator, learning designer, and researcher.


She currently teaches a Critical Thinking course in the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) at NYU SPS and Cognition and Computers course at Teachers College Columbia University.




 

Nexus:  What are you currently teaching?


Rachel: I have been teaching an online asynchronous Critical Thinking course at NYU SPS  since Spring 2024. It was originally a 14-week course, and I later condensed it into a 7-week course. I also teach Cognition and Computers at Teachers College Columbia University.


Nexus: Is there an activity or technology tool that your students enjoy or benefit from the most? 


Rachel: If I were to highlight one learner-centered activity in my online asynchronous course, it would be asking students to use a vivid personal memory as context for interpreting course readings in an NYU Brightspace discussion post. This is more of a pedagogical strategy or best practice for inclusive teaching and learning to make content relatable to individual student’s experience. I notice that students are excited to share their own experiences voluntarily, whether it’s a challenge or positive memory, and to reflect upon why it stays in their memory, which is our core content of understanding cognitive and critical thinking processes. Students enjoy engaging in these asynchronous discussions, reading and responding to what others share and shaping their own understanding. 


Nexus: What other educational practice or theory would you like to highlight?


Rachel:  I want to emphasize "student-centered learning." Students should be leading their own learning. We’re not just meant to lecture as faculty, so ultimately, it’s a mindset: as faculty, we are the facilitator and mentor of each student’s learning process, and we can also learn from students! Additionally, in an asynchronous online modality especially, I believe in clear, consistent communication. I’d recommend frequent reminders and announcements to set up students for success.


Nexus: Do you have any testimonials or feedback from your students about their experience that you can share with us? 


Rachel: ​​A student shared, “As a first-year student, I am confident I will use these lessons in the future. I admire how you kept the lesson entertaining despite the asynchronous format. Thank you for an excellent summer class. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” This was asynchronous online course feedback from a condensed 7-week course. It’s a tough course to take that requires student self-regulation and time-management. So I was happy when I received this student’s qualitative feedback that the course was engaging and useful.


Nexus: What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?


Rachel: I love traveling and exploring/learning different cultures by participating in local classes and events. Like our NYU vision and promise, I consider myself a lifelong learner. So far I have traveled to 35 countries. On a trip to Guatemala, I took a one-week intensive Spanish class and cooking class.  I most recently traveled to the UAE for the first time to visit NYU Abu Dhabi for a Teach Week initiative.


 

Bio: Dr. Rachel Eunjoon Um


Dr. Rachel Eunjoon Um holds a Ph.D. in Educational Communication and Technology from NYU Steinhardt School of Education, with a focus on learning science and multimedia-based learning. Her research interests include learners' emotions and cognitive science in technology-rich learning environments.


Prior to joining NYU SPS in 2022, Rachel was the Director of Online Learning at Fordham University where she led online program development and educational continuity. At Antioch University, she launched multiple online degree programs as the Director of Learning Technology. She also worked as Senior Education Manager at the New York Times Company. 


She is a lifelong traveler who enjoys learning about cultures.


Connect with Professor Rachel Um via the NYU SPS Faculty Directory and on LinkedIn.



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