At a Glance
Institution:
McMaster University
Instructor:
Rita Cossa
Course Name:
Introductory Business courses
Course Material in Use:
Nickels, Understanding Canadian Business, 11ce
Resource in Use:
Connect, SmartBook, & Application-Based Activities (ABAs)
Course Type:
Face-to-face (lecture style)
Integration:
Blackboard + Canvas Learning Management Systems
Course Enrollment:
900+ across three courses
The Challenge: Improve Engagement & Performance
Before implementing Connect in her Introductory Business courses, Professor Rita Cossa found that students often arrived to class without having completed the assigned chapter readings. This meant that a majority of class time was spent on covering text content such as definitions and concepts, rather than focusing on application to better understand and retain information. Ultimately, this led to poor time management and students scrambling to study for mid-terms because they didn’t stay on top of readings throughout the term. She needed a tool to help combat this low level of engagement and improve overall student performance in her course.
She selected Connect as her ideal learning tool because it complimented the textbook she was using, and research supported the fact that it would enhance her student performance with its adaptive learning capabilities. Connect offered her and her students a solution to improve time management, provide better exam review, and a relatable way to cover course content. With this platform, students had access to robust digital learning tools, such as SmartBook, online supplements, and Application-Based Activities (ABAs). As an instructor she also had access to teaching resources including videos, PowerPoint presentations, Instructor Notes, a robust test bank, image library, and the Nickels News Blog.
“Regardless of course size, Connect provides flexibility in what resources to use to achieve learning outcomes.”
Professor Cossa found Connect straightforward and easy to implement with the help of the McGraw Hill team. At her request, her dedicated McGraw Hill representative attended the first week of classes and introduced students to Connect, its features, and how to register. Supplemental information such as PowerPoint presentations and podcasts were added to her Learning Management System (LMS) for future reference. During the start of the pandemic and virtual learning, the McGraw Hill representative also created videos and files that Professor Cossa could post to her LMS to convey this information easier.
Equally important, her representative set up her courses and shared instructions on how she could pair Connect with her LMS. This allowed students to have easy access to Connect as well as see their grades for completed work. The McGraw Hill representative also walked her through the creation of SmartBook Assignments as she wanted students to complete questions that were aligned with content covered in the course.
“Without this support, I would not have had the courage to incorporate Connect in my courses as everything I do needs to be scalable and as worry free as possible.”
Professor Cossa assigns a total of 13% of her course grades to SmartBook and Application-Based Activities. As a pre-test, students are expected to complete SmartBook Assignments which are chapter-specific multiple-choice questions the night before the content is covered in class. This allows her to see what questions students might have ahead of time and move quickly from recall to application. At the end of the week, ABAs are completed as a post-test to assess knowledge.
“SmartBook is my favourite feature as its adaptive learning supports understanding core concepts. If a student selects an incorrect answer the system generates another question until the student masters the concept. This is a low-stakes way to encourage them to learn the information and build their confidence.”
When Professor Cossa first started using Connect, she assigned it as optional, but found adoption rate to be low. For future semesters she instead chose to make these assignments required as she believed it would support student performance. Since then, students are more motivated to learn the information and prepare ahead of time for class. If students have questions, they can ask well before the exam so that they are prepared in advance, reducing their stress. Students are more engaged in class as they have a foundational understanding when exercises are incorporated. They now come to class already familiar with theory and terms so she can spend more time on application and examples, making lectures more exciting and interactive. Through the report features she can also dive deeper into a student’s performance to support their success.
“Connect allows me to go beyond the text content and focus on what’s happening now in the business world.”
Since Professor Cossa was already familiar with Connect before the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to virtual teaching was seamless. She used the online testing feature for the first time when creating her final exam as it was much easier to use than her LMS and the exam had to be created quickly. The support of her dedicated McGraw Hill representative was instrumental in helping her do this.
Professor Rita Cossa is an Associate Professor of Strategic Management at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University. She teaches introductory business courses to Commerce and non-Commerce students. An author for eight editions of Understanding Canadian Business, she is dedicated to improving learning through enhanced pedagogy as she links business concepts to professional practice.
Professor Cossa is the recipient of the 2021 President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning at McMaster University. This Award recognized her efforts incorporating innovative teaching methods and research as a Learning Portfolio Fellow and contributor in the Student Partners Program, Equity Stream. Other teaching highlights include nominations for the McMaster Student Union Teaching Award, notations in the Maclean’s Guide to Canadian Universities as a Popular Prof for Marketing, and a nomination to TVO’s Best Lecturer Competition.
“I recommend that instructors connect with their McGraw Hill representative to get them started. While it may appear to be daunting as it is new, it really is straightforward for both instructors and students. I also participate in the Inclusive Access program where, through my McGraw Hill rep’s efforts, students have access to Connect the first day of the term. Another suggestion for new adopters is to reach out to instructors who use Connect for advice and information. As a community, we are here to support each other.”
“The biggest reason I recommend Connect is positive student results. The platform is easy to use, feedback is provided in a timely manner, and students can self-assess if they are on track. If students have any questions or issues with Connect, they can direct them to Connect Support rather than to their instructor. From beginning to end, it is a seamless experience for both students and instructors.”