Yoon Jeon Kim

Yoon Jeon (YJ) Kim is an Assistant Professor of Design, Creative, and Informal Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Department of Curriculum and Instruction within the School of Education. Previously, she founded and directed MIT Playful Journey Lab, leading interdisciplinary teams to develop playful assessment tools. Her research focuses on innovative assessment strategies, game-based learning, and empowering educators through creative evaluation methods.

Her work bridges theory and practice through embedded assessment tools for maker classrooms, digital learning games, and evidence-centered design frameworks. Key collaborations involve game designers, developers, and practitioners to create impactful learning metrics.

Publications highlight her exploration of collaborative play effects in geometry education, design-based research approaches, and the evolution of game-based assessment methodologies. She advocates for playful assessment tools that align with authentic learning experiences.

Labs and teams include the MIT Playful Journey Lab, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation. While no specific grants or awards are noted, her research demonstrates significant contributions to reimagining educational assessment through technology and creativity.