Research Findings Demonstrate Benefits of Adaptive Learning Tools at Universities

NEW YORK, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today McGraw-Hill Higher Education released an effectiveness study, "Evaluating the Adaptive Learning Tool's Impact on Pass and Retention Rates and Instructional Efficiencies at Seven U.S. Universities," outlining the benefits of adaptive learning tools for both instructors and students.

The effectiveness study is based on research conducted in a variety of classes at a range of universities that have utilized McGraw-Hill's adaptive learning tool, LearnSmart. Overall, the study found that adaptive learning tools improve test scores and course grades, increase students' class and test preparation outside of the classroom, and allow instructors to cover more applied topics and real-world activities in class.

"Today we are seeing the advent of some powerful new digital tools that can replicate what textbooks used to do and more -- increasing exponentially our ability to teach and our students' capacity to learn," said Professor William Hoover, M.D., assistant professor of science and engineering at Bunker Hill Community College, who participated in the study. "The ability to assess and track student progress individually and automatically grade homework assignments and exams is a powerful tool, saving time and improving student scores."

Offering anecdotal and statistical results, the effectiveness study provides encouraging data about the use of adaptive technology in the classroom. Study highlights include:

    --  Students using LearnSmart see significant improvements in pass rates
        (+12.5 percentage points), retention rates (+10.5 percentage points) and
        increased their overall performance in the course.
    --  Students who completed all the LearnSmart modules scored an average of
        10 percent higher on all exams as compared with those students who did
        not use LearnSmart.
    --  When students complete LearnSmart modules before class, they ask
        higher-level questions, generating greater interaction with and interest
        in the subject matter, while instructors are able to spend valuable
        class time covering more advanced topics in higher levels of the
        cognitive domain.

LearnSmart is an interactive study tool that adaptively assesses students' skill and knowledge levels to track which topics students have mastered and which require further instruction and practice. Based upon student progress, it then adjusts the learning content based on their knowledge strengths and weaknesses -- and their confidence level around that knowledge.

For more information, visit http://www.mhhe.com/learnsmart/.

About McGraw-Hill Higher Education

McGraw-Hill Higher Education, a unit of McGraw-Hill Education, is a leading global innovator in the development of 21st century teaching and learning solutions for postsecondary and higher education markets worldwide. Through a comprehensive range of traditional and digital education content and tools focused on improving student learning outcomes, McGraw-Hill Higher Education empowers and prepares professionals and students to connect, learn and succeed in the global economy. McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com.

Contact:Tom StantonMcGraw-Hill Education (212) 904-3214tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Higher Education; McGraw-Hill LearnSmart

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Higher Education; McGraw-Hill LearnSmart

Web Site: http://www.mheducation.com