In this blog, I share my reasons for showcasing select articles in two different learning experiences while connecting these design choices back to my philosophy. Two takeaways from this reflection are the importance of designing with intentionality and redefining an enjoyable learning experience.

As an instructor, lesson designer, and manager at a private afterschool learning center in Irvine, I’ve seen how thoughtfully designed lessons can still produce uneven results—some students stay engaged, while others struggle to retain or apply what they’ve learned. That experience led me to look more closely at how learning actually works. This blog reflects my approach to instructional design: questioning assumptions, grounding decisions in learning theory and research, and designing instruction that helps learning move beyond engagement to lasting understanding.