Sowing the Seeds of Success in Economics Class

[MarisaBluestone]

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to plant the seeds of success in your economics classroom. Just like a well-tended garden, student understanding flourishes when given the right tools, support, and the right nourishment. Whether it’s reinforcing core concepts with interactive graphs, helping students strengthen their quantitative skills, or introducing AI-driven tutoring, with the right tools and strategies, you students can grow into confident economic thinkers.

And because incentives drive behavior (hello, economic principle of rational choice!), there’s even an opportunity for you to win an iPad Pro. Here are five things you can do to sow the seeds of success in your economics class.

1. Cultivate Understanding with Interactive Graphing Tools

Graphs are the backbone of economics, helping students visualize shifts in supply and demand, elasticity, and market equilibrium. But static graphs in a textbook can feel like staring at dry soil—waiting patiently for something to happen. There’s potential there, but it’s not exactly thriving.

Macmillan Learning’s Interactive Graphing tools let students manipulate variables in real time, watching how different factors impact the market. This hands-on approach taps into experiential learning theory, reinforcing concepts by letting students play around with them. Think of it as crop rotation for comprehension—keeping learning fresh, relevant, and engaging.

2. Water Their Skills with Updated Math & Graphing Tutorials

A strong foundation in math is crucial for success in economics. Without it, students risk misunderstanding key concepts like GDP calculations, price elasticity, and opportunity costs. That’s why Macmillan Learning’s updated math and graphing tutorials are designed to walk students through complex problems step by step, ensuring they’re getting the nutrients they need to thrive academically.

By integrating these tutorials, you’re applying the human capital theory—investing in skills today that will pay dividends in the future. Because whether they’re future economists or just trying to pass your class, a strong math foundation benefits each and every student. And as you know, every decision is an economic decision.

3. Personalize Growth with AI Tutors

Every student learns at their own pace, and just like plants need different amounts of sunlight and water, some students need more time to grasp economic principles. Enter Macmillan Learning’s AI Tutor, which provides customized support based on individual learning gaps.

This aligns with the economic principle of marginal utility—each student is getting exactly the help they need, maximizing the benefit of their study time. And just like an efficient market, this AI-powered resource ensures that no effort is wasted, giving students the feedback they need when they need it.

And yes, this tutor makes a demonstrable difference. Research by Macmillan Learning on their tutor showed that not only do students enjoy using generative AI for learning, it helps them to help build confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and encourage persistence. Early data also suggests better grades. You can read more about that in the Inside HigherEd article: Students and Instructors Say AI Tool Helps With Understanding, Confidence in Course Materials.

4. Use Smart Assessments to Measure Growth

A well-designed assessment strategy is like checking your crops—are they growing as expected? Are there areas that need more attention? Economics is all about measuring progress and adjusting inputs, and that same principle applies to student learning.

Real-time insights from smart assessments can help educators adapt their teaching strategies—just like a good economist adjusts for market fluctuations. By tracking progress through targeted assessments, you can ensure that every student is on the right path, reinforcing concepts before they become weeds in their understanding.

5. Win Your Own iPad Pro – A Lesson in Incentives

Economists love talking about incentives, and this one’s a no-brainer. We know that incentives drive behavior—whether it’s tax breaks that encourage investment or discounts that make consumers more likely to buy. So here’s one for you: sign up for your chance to win a free iPad Pro.

Consider this a lesson in behavioral economics—where nudges, rewards, and opportunities shape decision-making. You’re already investing in your students’ success, so why not reap a little reward for yourself while also learning about Macmillan Learning’s powerful and effective AI Tutor.

By integrating these resources and principles into your teaching, you're not just conveying economic theories but also demonstrating their real-world applications. Together, we can sow the seeds of success and cultivate a thriving learning environment for our students.

Learn more about how to "Sow the Seeds of Success" in your class with interactive graphs, our AI Tutor and more.