Kevin Palencia Infante, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholar
Department of Mathematical Sciences

Teaching Expertise and Approach

Kevin teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics. He describes his approach to teaching as follows:

"I believe that a lecture where the instructor is the sole active participant is insufficient to fully engage students or unlock their potential. I create space for discussion and challenge students to think critically about mathematical problems. To address students' diverse needs, I employ a range of pedagogical strategies, such as brainstorming, collaborative learning strategies as small group discussions and think-pair-share, and technology-based tools. I disagree with the social construct that categorizes individuals as either "math people" or "not math people." Instead, I believe that making mistakes should be normalized, as it is a natural and essential part of the learning process in mathematics.

I have found that incorporating mathematical activities engages students more effectively than simply defining abstract concepts. My classes typically begin by introducing the topic through a question that connects prior concepts to the current discussion. I often include real-world applications, using graphical or audiovisual tools to enhance understanding. After the introduction, we work to solve mathematical problems. I monitor their progress by asking targeted questions and encouraging them to share their responses. This approach guides students toward drawing their own conclusions about the key points of the concept or problem under discussion."