Hortensia Soto-Johnson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Contact Information

• Phone: (970) 351-2425
• Fax: (970) 351-1225
• Email: hortensia.soto@unco.edu
• Office: Ross Hall 2240-A

Education

Teaching Philosophy

My first and foremost teaching objective is to ensure students become independent learners. It is important that they learn to explore ideas on their own and understand the importance of utilizing other resources besides their text.  Bandura’s (1982) framework for learning, which incorporates a triadic reciprocity model, is representative of my teaching philosophy. In his model, Bandura illustrates the interplay between students, their behavior, and their environment. If I, as a teacher, provide a safe learning environment and encourage students in their learning, then they may become more motivated to learn, which in turn leads to more classroom interaction and improved classroom behavior, which affects my teaching. In other words, teaching and learning are not separate entities, rather learning influences teaching and vice-a-versa.

Research

My research interests evolve as I teach different courses and as I participate in various projects, but some pursuits remain stable. My primary research interest is in the study of attitudes and beliefs of preservice elementary and secondary teachers as well as their understanding of mathematical content. I also investigate how motivation and disposition affects underrepresented groups’ intent to pursue mathematics. Currently I am investigating the relationship between feedback on proofs and student’s progress on creating proofs in an abstract algebra course.

• Publications
• Presentations

Classes Taught

Undergraduate: Abstract Algebra I & II, Complex Variables, History of Math, Math Thought, Higher Geometry, Linear Algebra, Calculus I, II & III, Intuitive Calculus, Math for Elementary Teachers I, II & III, Methodologies for Secondary Mathematics Education, Introduction to Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, General Education Mathematics

Graduate: Introduction to Mathematics Education Research, Quantitative Research Methods, Directed Studies

Other Interests

I enjoy spending time with my husband Roger and our son, Miguel. A personal favorite is meditating and practicing yoga, especially Anusara Yoga.