Introductory courses often serve as a student's first encounter with a new discipline. When students arrive, they have varied levels of foundational knowledge, yet they are all expected to meet the same course objectives. To help bridge these gaps, SmartBook offers an adaptive tool that personalizes learning by pinpointing exactly where each student needs support. However, SmartBook is just a tool; its effectiveness depends entirely on how we, as instructors, configure it. Here are some strategies I use to maximize SmartBook's impact on my students' learning.

Tailor Content by Selecting Specific Learning Objectives

SmartBook offers two ways to set up assignments: you can let the program select the concepts that will be included in the assignment, or you can pick specific learning objectives you want covered. To truly reinforce your course's core learning objectives, always choose to select specific learning objectives.

Taking a few extra minutes to align SmartBook content with your course objectives makes a big difference. Why? Students quickly notice when assignments cover concepts discussed in lectures, making their efforts feel meaningful. If your assignments consistently cover material you don't address in class, students will likely view it as busy work. This disengagement can lead to superficial completion rather than deep learning, ultimately undermining the assignment's value.

Keep Assignments Manageable and Strategically Spaced

The number of learning concepts in a single SmartBook assignment directly impacts student engagement and retention. Do not create large assignments. When faced with too many concepts, students often shift their focus from understanding to simply getting the assignment done quickly. This can lead to hurried clicks and students seeking external resources just to finish.

A more effective approach is to break large sections or chapters into two or more smaller assignments. Think about how much content you typically cover in a single class session; it's unlikely you're tackling 60 concepts at once. Instead, assign smaller, focused SmartBook assignments for students to review before each class, rather than just one per chapter. This strategy offers several benefits:

  • Improved Focus: Students can concentrate on a digestible amount of information, leading to better comprehension.
  • Reduced Workload: Smaller assignments feel less daunting and more achievable, boosting student confidence and motivation.
  • Reinforcement of Learning: Spacing out the material allows for repeated exposure to concepts, which is essential for long-term memory and mastery.
  • Preparation for Class: When students complete focused SmartBook assignments beforehand, they arrive better prepared for discussions, activities, and deeper dives into the material.

Leverage Data to Address Common Misconceptions

One of SmartBook's most powerful features for instructors is its analytics dashboard. This provides insights into student performance, letting you quickly identify areas where the class as a whole is struggling.

  • Review the SmartBook Analytics Before Class: After students complete a SmartBook assignment, take time to review these analytics before class. This allows you to makenotes in your lecture about where you need to focus on a particular concept and review it in class.
  • Highlight the 3 Most Missed Concepts with Your Students: When you start class, highlight the top three most missed concepts identified by SmartBook. By dedicating extra time to these areas, you show students you're actively supporting their learning. This also reinforces that these concepts aren't easy, and class time is dedicated to clarifying common misconceptions. This approach fosters a collective learning opportunity, reminding students they are in this together.

Encourage Student Reflection

After sharing the common areas of difficulty, prompt students to reflect individually. Ask them:

  • Did these top three areas match your own experience? Did you personally struggle with these concepts?
  • How do you find this information useful for your own learning? This question encourages metacognition. It helps students understand that pinpointing weak spots is a critical step in effective studying. Knowing what they don't know can help them adjust their study strategies, focus their review time, or prepare specific questions for your next class session.

By thoughtfully selecting learning objectives in your SmartBook assignments and reviewing the powerful analytics after students complete the assignments, you transform it from a completion task into a personalized learning tool that genuinely supports student understanding and success in your introductory courses. Additionally, by presenting this data to students and prompting their reflection, you empower them to become more self-aware learners and recognizing areas for improvement is a key part of their growth.