So you’ve got your free sample access to Achieve. Excellent. Now the big question: what do you actually do with it? This short guide will help you explore in a way that’s meaningful, manageable, and maybe even a little fun. The goal is simple: get a true sense of what Achieve can do for you and your students without getting lost amidst the extensive content and multitude of features. Don’t have an Achieve sample yet? Request free trial access here. Let’s dive in. Step One: Getting Into Achieve Already know how to log into Achieve? Skip ahead. If not, here’s the world’s easiest three-step process: Go to achieve.macmillanlearning.com Click Sign In and enter your email and password Select the Sample Course you’d like to explore That’s it. You’re in. If you need extra help, follow these visual instructions here. Step Two: Don’t Let the Breadth of Resources Overwhelm You Yes, your sample course includes a lot. You’ll find content, activities, reports, tools, and more. But don’t worry. Everything is cleanly organized and clearly labeled. Think of it like walking into a really well-stocked supply closet. Wondering where to begin? You might benefit from starting with the content. Curious how authors cover a concept? Open a chapter in the e-Book and take a look around. Want to see what reading options students will actually have at their disposal? Turn on the Read Aloud feature or adjust the reader preferences (night mode, fonts, text size). Prefer to mark things up? Highlight and take notes right in the e-Book. Once you’re familiar with the content, move on to Achieve’s research-backed features. These are the tools instructors tell us make a big difference. Step Three: Explore Core Features LearningCurve Adaptive Quizzing Take a look through a short pre-class quiz (already built for you). Or try one yourself to see how students experience personalized practice. LearningCurve can help students come prepared without creating extra grading for you. Reports Open the reports section to see the kinds of insights you’d get about class performance. Spot how Achieve highlights learning gaps early and clearly. One reason so many instructors love it is that they get a “big picture” overview of student performance without having to compile that information manually. Goal Setting & Reflection Surveys Preview the surveys designed to help students set goals and stick to them through the duration of your course. These surveys give students a structured way to reflect on habits and goals at the start, which boosts accountability and confidence later. Discipline-Specific Tools Every field has unique needs. Explore the tools that bring your subject to life like… Interactive graphing in Economics Diagnostic tests in Chemistry Discipline-specific study tools across Biology, Psychology, Math, and more Wondering what Achieve has to offer for your discipline? Click the relevant link below to learn about special features for you and your students.  Anatomy & Physiology Astronomy Biochemistry Biology Chemistry College Success Communication Economics English Environmental Science Geography Geology History Mathematics Nutrition and Health Physics Psychology Statistics Step Four? Determine Your Next Best Step. By now you’ve seen a bit of how Achieve works and what it can offer. You write the journey. Here a few next steps for you to consider: Here are three next steps to continue: Keep exploring with a personalized demo. Schedule a guided walkthrough with an Achieve expert to explore the features most relevant to your course and teaching style. Prefer a more guided approach? Explore Achieve through an interactive guided tour at your own pace. Ready to adopt Achieve? Connect with your representative to bring Achieve into your classroom and get your students started. And when you’re ready, setting up your first course in Achieve is a breeze. Achieve is designed to be easy for educators to use in any course. Don’t just take our word for it: watch what instructors say here. This Getting Started Guide for Instructors will help you get up and running in no time.  ... View more

Teaching is deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. Between grading, lesson planning, and keeping students engaged, the workload adds up fast. That’s where a little help from AI can make all the difference. These seven incredible educators shared their favorite AI prompts that make their teaching lives just a bit easier. They’re not outsourcing their creativity; they’re amplifying it. And in the process, they’re modeling for students how to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly. 1. Christin Monroe, Chemistry – Landmark College Prompt: “Suggest creative project ideas for debunking a scientifically (specifically chemistry related) inaccurate popular culture reference.” Christin invites AI into the brainstorming process to help students uncover the science (and the myths) hidden in pop culture. She explains: “It is great because it gives suggested prompts for different types of popular culture references and helps students both brainstorm and get experience with ethical AI usage. I share the results of the prompt with students to get them started.” The result? Students get excited about chemistry by connecting it to the shows, movies, and media they already love. 2. Delane (Blake) Simon, M.A., College Success – Houston City College Prompt: “Create a clear and concise grading rubric for this assignment worth 100 points.” Blake adds a pro tip: include assignment instructions and expectations in the prompt. He leans on Microsoft Copilot for this task: “My preferred AI co-conspirator is Copilot, which can convert the rubric into a Word document to other file type and is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite!” This approach streamlines grading prep and ensures students get a transparent, fair framework for success. 3. Jennifer Duncan, English – Georgia State University Perimeter College Prompt: “Hey Bot! Rewrite this assignment prompt using TILT principles of teaching and learning. Include clear tasks and criteria for success as well as a self-assessment rubric for students.” Jennifer’s casual “Hey Bot!” prompt is deceptively powerful. By asking AI to reframe assignments using Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) principles, she makes her expectations crystal clear for students. She reminds colleagues: “This will produce a great start, but you’ll refine the output.” AI gives her a draft. Her teaching expertise makes it shine. 4. Julie Osland, Psychology – Siena Heights University Prompts: “I want a student activity where students have to label the four lobes and their function(s)...” “Please create at least three realistic examples for the end of class Concept Check.” Julie uses AI to bring brain science to life. From everyday scenarios (“Which brain area was working hardest while you caught that ball?”) to end-of-class concept checks, AI helps her design activities that are memorable, engaging, and rooted in students’ daily experiences. Her approach bridges neuroscience with the real world—and her students walk away with lasting understanding. 5. Gina O’Neal-Moffitt, Psychology – Florida State University Prompt: Explore family closeness with AI conversations on communication, support, connectedness, and control. Gina developed an entire assignment around AI reflection. Students chat with AI on each theme, then create a video about what they discovered: “You will engage in a series of chat conversations with ChatGPT... and then make a video about what you learned.” By combining digital conversation with personal reflection, Gina encourages students to think critically about family dynamics while also building digital literacy. 6. Jill Bonds, English – Coalinga College Prompt: “Take this discussion question __________(add boring discussion question) and make it specific to students in ______(insert city and college) that enjoy pop culture and responding in creative ways (besides writing).” Jill has AI tailor discussion questions to her students’ context and interests. She even has it generate motivating student announcements with quotes and images to kick off the week. The result? Engagement jumps, and students see coursework that feels relevant to their lives. 7. You (Yes, You!) If you’ve ever wished you had more time to design activities, explain instructions clearly, or connect assignments to student interests, these prompts are your inspiration. AI can’t replace the human connection that great teaching requires. But it can clear space for you to focus on what matters most: students. Why These Educators Inspire Us What makes these educators stand out isn’t just their creativity—it’s their courage to experiment. They’re proving that AI, when used thoughtfully, can: Save time on repetitive tasks. Clarify expectations for students. Spark creativity in lesson planning. Build digital literacy and ethical awareness. By sharing their favorite prompts, they remind us that AI isn’t about doing less teaching—it’s about creating space to do the best teaching. So go ahead: borrow a prompt, tweak it for your classroom, and see what happens. Teaching is hard work, but with the right tools—and a community of inspiring educators—you don’t have to do it alone. ... View more

Rethinking What Support Means Higher education is happening against a backdrop that feels markedly different than even a decade ago. Both students and educators are navigating an environment defined by turbulence: an anti-intellectual movement that questions the very value of college, widespread loneliness and disconnection, the addictive pull of social media, uncertainty about the job market awaiting graduates, and a collective fear about the future, including climate change, political division, and social instability. In this context, “support” has often meant trying to soften the blows: extending deadlines, adding reminders, or easing requirements. These come from a place of care, but they can inadvertently reinforce the belief that students are not capable of managing on their own. What if true support meant preparing students to stand strong in the face of uncertainty? What if the most compassionate thing we can do is help them build the muscles of accountability and self-reliance they will need far beyond the classroom? This reframed approach does not mean educators do less. It means they do something more lasting: empower students to trust themselves. The pages ahead explore why accountability matters, how to lay the groundwork for it, and how this shift benefits both learners and instructors in these uniquely challenging times. Why Student Accountability Matters Consider Marcus, a junior who regularly scrolls through social media late into the night, watching a steady stream of headlines about climate disasters and wars. He drags himself into class tired, distracted, and unsure whether his degree will even “matter” in the long run. Without accountability structures, Marcus slips behind… not because he isn’t a smart young man or because he doesn’t care, but because fear and disconnection sap his motivation. When students like Marcus learn to take ownership of their learning, they gain valuable skills that can help them navigate trying times through their entire lives. They begin to experience agency in a world where so much feels uncontrollable. For educators, that shift reduces the exhausting work of constant micromanagement and opens space for more meaningful teaching moments. So what can educators do? The following isn’t an exhaustive list. It isn’t a perfect list. It’s just a few ideas that any instructor can use with their students, including you. Set the Foundation with Clear Expectations When the world outside feels uncertain, clarity inside the classroom is a gift. Students cannot thrive amid vague or shifting expectations. Use syllabi and rubrics as roadmaps. A syllabus can signal stability: This is what you can count on in this space. Rubrics help demystify what success looks like. Model expectations. Show examples of strong work, and name what makes them effective. Revisit regularly. Expectations should be a living conversation, not a one-time handout. Your Syllabus, Their Roadmap When Sofia, a first-year student, confided to her professor that “everything feels unpredictable,” the professor gently pointed to the syllabus: “In this class, here’s what you can expect from me, and here’s what I’ll expect from you.” For Sofia, that clarity provided a rare sense of stability.   Design Structures That Promote Responsibility In times of considerable distraction and distress, students need structures that help them practice accountability in tangible ways. Checklists or milestone deadlines provide pacing when self-discipline is hard to summon. Self-assessments prompt students to pause, reflect, and take ownership before seeking external validation. Collaborative goal-setting or progress tracking reinforces that responsibility is shared. Student choice in assignments nurtures agency in an era where students often feel powerless. In one class, a professor asked students to co-create deadlines for a major project. At first, they were skeptical, but when mid-semester pressures mounted, those student-chosen checkpoints became anchors. They learned not just time management, but the deeper skill of honoring commitments they set for themselves.   Foster Resilience Through Encouragement, Not Enabling Students and educators alike are weary of crisis after crisis. It’s tempting to over-function for students, but this often undermines resilience. Normalize struggle. Acknowledge openly that learning (and living) in this era is hard. Struggle doesn’t mean failure; it means growth is happening. Offer empowering feedback. Ask questions that help students think critically, rather than fixing every error. Celebrate small wins. In a climate of doom-scrolling and fear, small victories matter. After failing a lab report, Alex emailed his professor saying, “Maybe I’m just not cut out for science.” Instead of excusing the assignment, the professor responded: “Let’s look at what you did well and what you can try differently.” That shift helped Alex see mistakes not as evidence of inadequacy but as part of the learning process.   How This Shift Supports You as an Instructor Educators are not immune to the cultural forces students are facing. Faculty, too, feel the weight of political pressures, declining trust in institutions, and the burnout of carrying students through tough times. Reframing support as accountability helps protect educators’ own well-being. It allows them to reclaim their role as guides rather than fixers, to focus less on constant troubleshooting and more on authentic engagement. Over time, this shift can foster classrooms where both educators and learners feel more grounded, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful. A Win-Win Approach In an era marked by loneliness, fear, and uncertainty, accountability is not about burdening students. It’s about equipping them to meet the future with courage. Helping students take ownership is one of the most enduring forms of care we can offer. This shift doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start small: add a reflective self-assessment, make expectations clearer, or celebrate a moment of student initiative. Because in these turbulent times, accountability isn’t just a skill. It’s a lifeline. ... View more

When was the last time your students took a moment to reflect on their own progress? Help your students take ownership by setting weekly goals and reflecting on their progress. This simple habit can transform how your students approach their learning and even how they view their own success.  Setting their own goals allows students to take more responsibility for their progress, which builds self-regulation. Additionally, reflecting on past achievements gives students a sense of accomplishment, boosting their motivation and encouraging them to keep pushing forward. Reflection helps students identify what works and what doesn’t, increasing their persistence and enabling them to try new strategies and keep going when things get tough. This isn’t just theory, studies show that goal-setting and reflection are key factors in improving student outcomes. Instead of waiting until the end of the semester to assess student progress, try using Achieve’s Goal-Setting and Reflection Surveys. Have students set weekly learning goals, revisit them regularly, and reflect on what worked. This gives both you and your students a clear picture of progress and areas for improvement while helping them stay motivated and engaged. Getting students into the habit of setting and reflecting on goals isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game changer for their learning experience. Give it a try, and watch how quickly they take ownership of their growth. ... View more

How often do students ask, “Why are we doing this assignment?” It’s a fair question—and one that can be answered with a small but powerful design tweak. By making learning goals visible and tying them directly to each week’s tasks, you give students clarity and purpose. Instead of assignments feeling like busywork, they see how each activity moves them closer to mastering a course objective. Alignment helps students connect the dots between goals and practice. It builds motivation by showing the value of each task and creates a more intentional course structure, benefiting both you and your students. Implementation can be as simple as adding a short note in your syllabus or LMS module.  For example: “This week’s work supports Objective #2: Interpret data and draw conclusions.” That one sentence can shift how students perceive the week’s workload from disconnected tasks to steps in a larger learning journey. The next time you prep a module, try adding explicit links between objectives and activities. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how your students engage with your course. ... View more

We’ve all been there, you start teaching a new topic only to realize half the class is lost and the other half is bored. The problem? It’s easy to assume students are beginning from the same place, when in reality, their skills and knowledge levels can vary widely. A simple solution is to start with a quick skills inventory or diagnostic quiz. Instead of guessing, you get a realistic snapshot of where students are actually starting. This approach works because it prevents the frustration that comes from teaching at the wrong level by allowing you to tailor support, whether that means grouping students strategically or offering targeted refreshers. Additionally, students gain awareness of their own strengths and gaps, which builds metacognition. If you’re using Achieve, many courses already include built-in diagnostic quizzes. These can flag gaps in foundational knowledge and point students to just-in-time support. For example, you might direct a student to a short refresher module before diving into more complex material. Starting with data instead of assumptions helps you meet students where they are and helps them feel seen in the process. Before your next unit, consider giving a short skills check. You’ll save yourself time reteaching later, and students will be better prepared to move forward with confidence. ... View more

It’s no secret that attention drifts during lectures. The good news? It doesn’t have to take a ton of effort to bring it back. One of the simplest strategies is weaving in short, two-minute polls or scenarios that invite students to predict, vote, or weigh in. These quick breaks not only re-focus attention but also give students a chance to apply concepts before you move on. Interactive moments create active learning opportunities in real time, as students stay more engaged when they’re asked to make decisions instead of just listening, which also provides immediate feedback on what they understand and where they’re stuck. Implementation can be easy with tools like iClicker or even a show of hands. For example, ask students to vote on how they’d solve a problem or interpret a dataset. Then, instead of immediately revealing the correct answer, let them discuss their reasoning in pairs or small groups. That extra step transforms a quick poll into a lively conversation. Students explain their thinking, hear new perspectives, and stay invested in what comes next. Try sprinkling one or two polls into your next lecture. You might be surprised at how much energy a short pause can add to the room. ... View more

Are you worried that AI might make students passive learners? Here’s a simple way to flip that concern into an opportunity. Instead of banning generative AI from your classroom, consider using it as a thought partner. By sharing an AI-generated response to a relevant question, you can invite students to step into the role of evaluator and editor. Engaging in critique rather than passive consumption enhances active learning for students. This process strengthens their metacognition as they ask themselves what makes an answer strong or weak. Additionally, it fosters the habit of questioning sources, an essential skill in our AI-driven world. Here’s what it can look like in practice: give students a short AI-generated essay or answer to a prompt and ask, “What would you improve or challenge? What reasoning is missing?” Suddenly, the assignment shifts from “What’s the right answer?” to “How do we know this answer is sound?” That’s where deeper thinking happens. The next time you’re designing a discussion or low-stakes activity, try pairing AI with student critique. You’ll not only keep them engaged, but also help them develop the critical mindset they’ll need long after your course ends. ... View more

When was the last time a student said an exam question actually helped them learn? Too often, assessments feel like hurdles—boxes to check before moving on. But assessments can do more than measure—they can teach. When you frame your questions in real-world or discipline-specific contexts, students stop asking “Why am I doing this?” and start practicing the skills they’ll use beyond your classroom. Instead of cramming facts, they’re applying knowledge in authentic ways. The payoff is twofold: For students: they see purpose, which boosts engagement. For you: you get clearer insight into whether they can transfer knowledge, not just memorize. Try this shift: replace one of your usual multiple-choice item with a scenario. For example: “How would a chemist/educator/economist approach this situation?” That small reframe invites students to think like practitioners, not test-takers. The next time you write an exam, add even one real-world angle—you’ll be surprised how much more authentic (and revealing) your assessments become. ... View more

What happens when we stop grading just for accuracy and start grading for learning? In this thoughtful Coffee with Colleagues conversation, instructors shared practical strategies for shifting from traditional grading to a feedback-rich, growth-minded approach. Learn how to encourage risk-taking, support neurodiverse learners, and implement ungrading techniques that prioritize student progress over perfection. Explore the full summary here! ... View more

Data isn't just for administrators—it’s for instructors who want to make every class session count. In this session, educators unpacked how Achieve’s powerful analytics tools can help track engagement, identify at-risk students, and fine-tune instruction in real time. Whether you’re looking to boost student outcomes or simply streamline your workflow, this conversation is full of actionable ideas. Get the insights here! ... View more

Discover the transformative power of authentic assessment with the enlightening video, "Unlocking Potential: Achieve and Authentic Assessment." Join educational experts as they delve into dynamic strategies that revolutionize student learning. Erika Martinez from the University of South Florida reveals the innovative use of in-class response systems like iClicker, which not only capture real-time insights but fundamentally elevate students' learning experiences. Christin Monroe of Landmark College presents an intriguing argument for unlimited assessment attempts, inviting students to dive deeply into the material and refine their understanding in a supportive environment. Additionally, Matthew Ingram of Dakota State University discusses the flexible nature of learning curve quizzes that tailor progress tracking and inspire tailored instructional changes. Tune in to witness how Macmillan Learning tools champion engaging and effective assessments, empowering educators to unlock every student's potential. Click below to watch! ... View more

From Theory to Practice: AI's Influence on Teaching Economics Presented by Justin Wolfers and Joshua Hill Join renowned economist Justin Wolfers and AI technologist Joshua Hill for an insightful session on the revolutionary impact of AI on economics education. Discover how AI is reshaping student engagement with course material and how educators can leverage this technology to enhance their teaching methods. In this session, Justin and Joshua cover practical strategies for integrating AI into your courses. They address key challenges and showcase cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your teaching experience. Highlights include a demonstration of our proprietary AI Tutor, an innovative question generator, and a sneak peek at future AI developments from Macmillan.   Watch the recording ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we share valuable insights and practical ideas on various educational topics. Our goal is to provide educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can be implemented in classrooms and institutions. This week, we’ve rounded up five resources on the importance of Authentic Assessment. Check them out below: 1. Why You Should Care About Authentic Assessments Authentic assessments involve the application of knowledge and skills in real-world situations, scenarios, or problems. This guide by UIC's Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence highlights several elements that make an assessment more "authentic," including accuracy, demonstration of learning, and collaboration. Read the full guide 2. Authentic Assessment's Long Term Impact on Student Learning Indiana University's Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning provides a comprehensive explanation of authentic assessments. These assignments require students to apply what they've learned to new situations, making judgments on what information and skills are relevant. Explore the resource 3. Alternative Authentic Assessment Methods UConn's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers a detailed overview of authentic assessments and alternative methods. This resource emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills by performing real-world tasks. Discover the methods 4. Macmillan Learning's Approach to Authentic Assessments This article from Macmillan Learning explores the relevance and challenges of authentic assessments. It highlights the importance of assessing higher-order critical thinking and self-regulated learning skills, with a focus on real-world contexts. Read the full article 5. Re-Imagining Authentic Assessment in the Age of Open AI A webinar on re-imagining authentic assessment amidst widespread AI usage. This session offers insights into preserving assessment integrity while leveraging AI for fair and meaningful evaluations. Access the recording We'd love to hear your thoughts on implementing authentic assessments in education. How do you create real-world assessment opportunities in your own classrooms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. ... View more

In higher education, fostering a sense of belonging can transform classrooms into dynamic communities focused on learning and growth. The video below delves into this pivotal theme, offering insights from three educators who reveal their strategies for promoting connection and inclusivity. Through methods such as interactive introductions with GoReact and guided peer instruction using iClicker, these educators illustrate how building relationships among students not only enhances learning but also boosts retention and engagement. Watch the video to understand why a sense of belonging is crucial and discover tips to nurture it. ... View more