Courses: Prealgebra, Introductory Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Precalculus, Prestatistics “With a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology, I always say Hawkes Learning has excellent products, but their service elevates them far beyond any of the other software products that I have experienced over the past 30 years.” Professor Zehr has been teaching mathematics for over 30 years and spent the last 12 years teaching developmental and applied mathematics at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa. Over the course of his teaching career, a significant portion has been spent working with at-risk or developmental students. In each of his courses, Professor Zehr uses Hawkes Learning’s student software and has seen an increase in students’ career-readiness and technical preparedness for future courses including those in the Arts and Sciences areas. “The courseware is designed to build confidence in the students who struggle, as well as, challenge the students, who need a good review and preparation for a college-level course. Students build their confidence as they improve their math skills, and they find comfort in the structure and repetition of the problem sets.” Hawkes’ 3-step mastery approach has helped his students with targeted practice and given them the ability to test out of sections that they’ve already demonstrated mastery. “The structure of the Learn, Practice, and Certify format provides students with a predictable framework while being able to use this structure to be able to practice, improve, and master the necessary skills to transition to the college-level courses needed to pursue their desired career.” A few stand-out features of the courseware include: Practice Test: Provides a quick review of the concepts, serving as a helpful tool for exam preparation. Best Score: Encourages students to retake tests and strive for a higher standard of success without fear of doing worse and lowering their grade. “Combine [these] features with “exceptional” service, and you have a courseware product that will prepare students at any level of ability for a promising future.”
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July 21, 2025
Courses: Prealgebra, Introductory Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Precalculus,...
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Dr. Korey Kilburn teaches mathematics and leads the Aeronautical Sciences program at PennWest University–Edinboro. He stays very busy outside of the classroom as he also teaches jiujitsu, is a pilot, serves as a Hawkes Faculty Consultant, and is a former college wrestling athlete. Recently, Hawkes had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Kilburn’s journey as an instructor and is delighted to shine a spotlight on his passion for mathematics. Read along to learn more about Dr. Kilburn’s experience as a Hawkes instructor! Dr. Kilburn teaches the following courses with Hawkes Learning’s materials: Calculus I, II, and III — Calculus with Early Transcendentals, 2nd Edition College Algebra — College Algebra, 3rd Edition Essentials of Calculus — Essential Calculus with Applications, 3rd Edition Precalculus — Precalculus, 3rd Edition Elements of Statistics — Beginning Statistics, 3rd Edition Statistics and Data Analysis — Discovering Statistics and Data, 3rd Edition While Dr. Kilburn originally attended PennWest University–Edinboro as an undergraduate wrestling athlete, he then pursued three advanced degrees, including his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Math. He attributes his pursuit of higher education in math to his mentors, Mrs. Judy Scaletta and Dr. Anne Quinn. He shared that Mrs. Scaletta, his 12th grade math teacher, helped him realize he had a knack for the subject. Dr. Anne Quinn taught him in his undergraduate math courses at PennWest University–Edinboro and helped him realize all the opportunities available to him in pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics; they are now colleagues at PennWest–Edinboro. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Kilburn said that he truly appreciated Dr. Quinn’s guidance in exploring the opportunities a future in mathematics could provide for him. Dr. Kilburn’s experience as a former college athlete is applied in his classroom as he reminds his students to continue to show up and work hard in their pursuit of educational success. He reminds them that education is about the big picture, explaining, “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.” Dr. Kilburn teaches a wide array of mathematics courses, ranging from College Algebra to Statistics and Data Analysis to Differential Equations. Dr. Kilburn explained, “Each semester, I look at my schedule, and if there is a corresponding Hawkes textbook I can use for my courses that semester, I will use Hawkes each chance I get.” He was initially introduced to Hawkes during an initiative to bridge the gap for incoming students who had weaker backgrounds in algebra. He enjoyed using Hawkes because of the friendly, timely support he and his students received, Hawkes’ mastery approach, and the HawkesTV video library provided to students. “I think Hawkes and I just get along well; I can implement it into my classes very easily and seamlessly, and the students are happier. I’ve noticed a lot of improvements just since I started using Hawkes,” he explained. Dr. Kilburn uses the Hawkes Sync Tool to link his Hawkes courses with his learning management system, Brightspace. He also utilizes an inclusive access model to distribute his course materials to his students so that they can have access to the Hawkes student platform on the first day of class. When asked his top reasons for returning to Hawkes each academic year, he replied, “The customer service, in general, is through-the-roof amazing. One thing I like about Hawkes is how quickly they help. Not only do they help, but they also really walk you through it. They’ll do everything to make sure you understand.” He continued, “I feel a lot of support there. I don’t feel like I’m just some number,” as he described Hawkes’ Support Team as a friend who genuinely wants to help you. When asked what advice he’d give to an instructor considering adopting Hawkes’ materials, he replied, “First, I would highly recommend it. Secondly, I would say not to be afraid to reach out and ask questions.” He has observed that his students really appreciate the straightforward structure that the Hawkes “Learn, Practice, Certify” sequence provides to them. He also enjoys how easy Hawkes makes it to customize, grade, and manage his courses within the instructor platform. Dr. Kilburn has noticed positive trends since switching to Hawkes in his courses. He explained that when he made the switch to Hawkes in his courses, he did not change his final exams, nor did he change his approach. He said that he noticed both grades and student morale improved, and he believes that is due to the Hawkes approach, which leads to true mathematical understanding. Dr. Kilburn is gifted with the ability to see mathematical applications all around him, from his car tires’ coefficient of friction to an airplane’s rates of ascent and descent. He hopes to help his students see the same applications and relevance of mathematical subjects. This is especially considered when it comes to his calculus sequence courses. He teaches Calculus I through Calculus III with Hawkes’ Calculus with Early Transcendentals. Calculus can be intimidating, so Dr. Kilburn tries to remind his students that mathematics builds upon itself and that the heart of calculus is actually algebra. He appreciates that Hawkes provides students with not only thorough content within the textbook and courseware but also comprehensive free instructional videos to bring the concepts to life. Dr. Kilburn believes that helping students make the connection of mathematics at work around them can be a motivating factor, expressing, “It’s really all around us. We have to just be aware of it.”
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May 27, 2025
Dr. Korey Kilburn teaches mathematics and leads the Aeronautical Sciences...
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Professor Christos Noutsos teaches his Biology I courses at SUNY–Old Westbury with Hawkes Learning’s Biology courseware. As a valued Hawkes Faculty Consultant, we were eager to learn more about his journey as a professor. We invite you to read along to learn more about Professor Noutsos’ experience as a Hawkes instructor below! Professor Christos Noutsos has been teaching since 2017 and has been using Hawkes Learning’s Biology courseware in his courses for three semesters. When asked about what inspired a career in teaching, Professor Noutsos reflected on his childhood. He grew up in Vrisochori (Βρυσοχώρι), Greece. It was in “Gymnasio” (what could be compared to “middle school” in Greece) that he was drawn to learning more about plants and their biology. He considers this time period of his life as what sparked a desire to teach others about biology and what led him to pursue the goal of being a part of an institution that would allow him to both teach and conduct research. He expressed that his current institution gives him this opportunity now. Professor Noutsos also shared a memory of when he had the opportunity to participate in a field trip where his uncle led a lesson in how to cultivate plants. This example sparked creativity, leading to his teaching style today that surrounds helping students become hands-on with their learning. The villiage of Vrisochori (Βρυσοχώρι), located at the broader region of Zagorochoria Ioannina (Ζαγοροχώρια, Ιωάννινα) in Greece. We asked Professor Noutsos what he would consider to be the most valuable lesson he has learned as a teacher. He replied, “The most important thing I’ve realized is that we are dealing with humans… so I think the most important thing is patience; it’s the best approach to reach the students.” He has certainly applied patience in his teaching, as he described exploring different classroom styles throughout his career. He has found that lectures on their own are not as effective, so he employs a combination of lecture with hands-on learning experiences. He has also used the flipped classroom approach, having students choose a topic and present in class on their topic. Through these adaptations, he has found that the broader umbrella of active learning is what is working best for today’s students. He believes that the students’ biggest challenge is to balance all their responsibilities, so it is important to provide strong structure for them when possible. Challenges and Solutions for the Modern Classroom When asked what he believes to be instructors’ greatest challenge today, Professor Noutsos explained that it can be challenging to engage students properly with the material. He emphasized that discovering what best supports each student requires compassion, active outreach, dedication, and patience. Professor Noutsos explained that his courses have smaller class sizes. This aids in promoting hands-on learning and student engagement within the classroom, as it allows him to get to know his students rather quickly. As he gets to know his students, he learns how to guide them in making meaningful connections between the lecture material and their corresponding lab work. He also has taken an alternative approach to his office hours. In the past, he held traditional office hours within his office on campus. Recently, he has started hosting office hours at the campus café and campus library. By being in a more casual environment, he feels that the students are more comfortable asking their questions. How Hawes Supports Students & Instructors like Prof. Noutsos Affordability and thorough coverage of topics are what have kept Professor Noutsos coming back each semester. He appreciates that students can use the same Biology courseware in both the Biology I and II courses. He also loves that the students have lifetime access to the courseware for continued learning. “The students also love the depth of the book and the style that the platform uses… They like the fact that they can Certify themselves,” Professor Noutsos shared. He went on to say that the Hawkes Support Team has made a difference to him as an instructor, expressing that the 24/7 Live Chat has been extra helpful during late-night questions and on weekends. Professor Noutsos expressed that having a Hawkes Student Ambassador on campus has also provided significant additional support to the students. He has found that one-to-one training meetings with his Hawkes Customer Success Specialist have been beneficial, as they help him set up his entire semester in a single meeting, helping lift a large burden for him in semester preparations. He has especially enjoyed the “Assignment Reminder” feature, which allows instructors to set up automatic assignment reminder emails to be sent to the students throughout the term. “The flexibility is huge – I can choose what I want for my course. I can do that in a very straightforward and easy way. I don’t have to spend hours… I can go exactly where I need to go.” When asked what advice he’d give to new Hawkes instructors, Professor Noutsos said, “Take advantage of the one-to-one sessions. It will save a lot of time throughout the semester. Take the time to explore the platform, because there is so much you can get out of it to help you evaluate your students.”
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May 20, 2025
Professor Christos Noutsos teaches his Biology I courses at SUNY–Old Westbury...
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Andrea Vinci, Ed.D. Andrea Vinci, Ed.D. is an Associate Professor and Division Coordinator at Rowan College of South Jersey. She teaches multiple courses at the college, including ENG 101, in which she uses Hawkes Learning’s English Composition, 2nd Edition courseware. I first started using Hawkes for my online courses in 2019. I thought it was useful and engaging for students in distance-learning courses to master the materials that I usually taught in my in-person lectures. Fast-forward to 2020…the pandemic hit and EVERY class went online. I was uploading lectures, but without the hands-on, in-class activities to gauge student mastery of the different topics, I knew I needed to make a change. That’s when I made the switch to using Hawkes in all of my courses. I still taught each topic through a video to students and used my own essay assignments, but I was able to use the Hawkes Learn/Practice/Certify tools to make sure they truly understood the different modes of writing, how to find, implement, and cite sources, and proper grammar. It gave my students the ability to master these topics and then apply them to their writing. Even after returning to the classroom, I decided to still use Hawkes in this way. We focus on hands-on learning in class, and then they complete the Hawkes assignments at home, at their own pace, to truly master the material. The results have been really great. Not only does Hawkes allow for extra time and materials to master the core content of ENG 101, it also serves as a great resource for when a student is absent or misses a class for any reason (which we all know is very common post-Covid!). Students can still learn all the materials we covered while they were out. I also like that it allows each student to learn at their own pace for each topic. If they understand something well, students can easily certify their mastery. If they need a little more help with a certain topic, they can practice, learn, and attempt mastery as many times as needed to fully learn and master the topic. “Overall, Hawkes has been a truly useful learning resource in both my online, hybrid, and traditional in-person courses. Students find it to be a helpful learning tool, and I think it’s a great teaching tool. The technical support is also readily available and helpful at all times.”
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April 24, 2025
That’s when I made the switch to using Hawkes in all of my courses. I still...
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Dr. Lisa Brewer is an associate professor of English at New River Community and Technical College, where she teaches composition, research, and literature. She uses Hawkes Learning’s Foundations of English, Second Edition courseware for her Developmental English course. We first adopted Hawkes in our Developmental English course because many of our students were not able to score high enough on our placement tests to enroll in English 101. The major issues started at the basic sentence level. The areas of weakness ranged from needing to learn the parts of speech to what sentence boundaries are. Before we could work on thesis statements and paragraphs, I found that we needed to share a vocabulary for talking about sentences, and our wide variety of students in age and experience meant they had different skill levels and competencies. Some needed a refresher in certain areas, while others needed much more instruction and practice. The first thing Hawkes helped with was their diagnostic tests in reading and grammar that are tied to lesson mastery. The diagnostic tests give the student and me a look into what areas need attention and what the student has already learned. I can see how many students need to work on comma splices or apostrophes and how many students performed well with subject and verb agreement and do not need to repeat that lesson. A student’s mastery of a skill will show up in the lessons assigned so that one does not have to do lessons already mastered. This helps a great deal in preventing boredom from the traditional method of covering a particular skill with the entire class and then moving on, knowing some have already mastered it, but others are still struggling. The lessons and mastery of skills are then individualized to each student’s strengths and weakness. The initial scores also indicate which students are almost ready for English 101 and which ones have a larger gap in skills to make up. This insight helps me plan and know where to spend my time and attention. Because students are more conscious of what they are doing well and what they need to work on, they can articulate their accomplishments and become more confident about their writing skills. The Lesson, Practice, Certify method gives them concrete evidence, which I can reinforce when I see the improvement in their essay writing assignments. At mid-term and at the end of the semester, I give them a survey/writing reflection to find out how they are feeling about their writing at this point as compared to when the class started, and I receive specific feedback about what they are happy to have improved, how they had no confidence in the beginning but now they are more comfortable writing, and at mid-term, they let me know what they want to work on in upcoming classes, such as figuring out a good hook, revising introductions, and addressing their audience. They start asking the kinds of questions that I love to hear because they are not as anxious about the mechanics of writing, and their attitudes may have changed from a former negative high school experience. I was skeptical about using Hawkes at first because I thought that this would be another program in which students do grammar exercises in isolation of their own writing and that effort would not translate into improvements in essay writing. I have been pleasantly surprised because a student can not move on from a lesson until he or she has demonstrated competency and learns why an answer is correct or incorrect, so grammar isn’t just busywork. I am also getting detailed feedback, so I know when to offer additional one-on-one help or practice something as a group, and I can let them know when they are succeeding in applying a particular skill in their essays. Confidence about small victories like the elimination of comma splices is something we celebrate. Students often enter their first college English class with dread and anxiety, especially if they have not done well in it in the past. For many, the fundamentals of grammar and reading can be very dry and boring, so it’s not something they want to hear a lecture about or practice on their own. The Hawkes interactive lessons are more engaging because students know they are working on individual areas that need improvement, and they can see tangible evidence of their achievements in both the mastery of a skill and the positive feedback I can give them on their essays. Some students even work ahead and do lessons I have marked as bonus lessons because they see themselves getting better and want to cover additional topics for extra points.
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April 11, 2025
Dr. Lisa Brewer is an associate professor of English at New River Community and...
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“I’ve been really pleased with Hawkes, and their service is the best I’ve ever experienced.” With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Professor Hamid Nahavandi knows that teaching mathematics comes with unique challenges, but complicated courseware shouldn’t be one of them. Titles & Courses: College Algebra, 3rd Edition – College Algebra Precalculus, 3rd Edition – Trigonometry Calculus with Early Transcendentals, 2nd Edition – Calculus When I first adopted the Hawkes Learning platform about four years ago, I was unsure of what to expect. Prior to making the switch to Hawkes, I had been using WebAssign for about a year, but I often found it difficult to navigate, and it lacked sufficient tech support. I’d often have to rely on my colleagues for help, which was frustrating. Once I transitioned to Hawkes, I noticed the difference in Hawkes’ immediately available and excellent Support Team. My designated Customer Success Specialist, Marissa, has been wonderful and always within reach when I have any questions. I can also easily connect with Hawkes Learning’s Support Team’s 24/7 live chat. Over time, I became much more comfortable using the platform, and I continue to learn more. Recently, Joshua from the Customer Success Team came to my office and patiently walked through my Hawkes questions. I also encourage my students not to hesitate in reaching out to Hawkes’ Support Team. I remind them that Hawkes can help them through phone calls and through their live chat on the website. Our campus also has a Hawkes Student Ambassador intern. Having that extra support through the Student Ambassador program has been great for the students, as they may feel more comfortable asking a peer questions outside of our class time and my office hours. When it comes to my favorite features of Hawkes, I always think of the “Learn, Practice, Certify” sequence that Hawkes presents in their homework lessons. I often direct my students to the “Learn, Practice, Certify” features, especially when they miss class. The videos within the Learn segment have been wonderful. These tools have been great for students to catch up on lessons at their own pace, and they really help reinforce the material. The mastery-based approach used in Hawkes has had a positive effect on students’ learning. From an instructor’s perspective, I’ve found the tools within Hawkes to be very complementary to my teaching. The Curriculum feature within Hawkes Teach (the instructor side of the platform) is directly aligned with my classroom lessons, which saves me time and ensures that the material is consistently covered. The step-by-step explanations for each concept are also incredibly helpful, especially when a student needs further clarification. Another feature I really appreciate is Hawkes’ AI Tutor, which provides additional academic support to students outside of class. In conclusion, I’ve been really pleased with Hawkes, and their service is the best I’ve ever experienced.
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April 1, 2025
“I’ve been really pleased with Hawkes, and their service is the best I’ve ever...
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“Hawkes has earned its place as my top choice for educational support.” Professor Niki Stovall at Prarie View A&M University is committed to helping students succeed in mathematics. Like many instructors, she’s seen firsthand how challenges like lack of motivation, poor study habits, and gaps in foundational knowledge can hinder student progress. Titles & Courses: College Algebra, 3rd Edition Plus Integrated Review – Comprehensive Math Skills for College Algebra College Algebra, 3rd Edition – College Algebra Beginning Statistics, 3rd Edition – Elementary Statistics Precalculus, 3rd Edition – College Algebra and Trigonometry Read on to hear firsthand how Professor Stovall has seen Hawkes make a lasting impact, helping students stay engaged, develop stronger study habits, and build the confidence they need to succeed. Many students struggle with motivation, which makes it challenging for them to study consistently, attend class regularly, and seek extra help when needed. Additionally, a significant number of students enter college-level courses without the necessary background knowledge or foundational skills, particularly in areas like reading comprehension and organization. This lack of preparedness can hinder their success in higher education. Thankfully, Hawkes has been an incredible resource, offering valuable support to both students and instructors in multiple ways. Here are just a few of the ways Hawkes has made a difference: Useful Study Resources One of the key aspects of Hawkes’ success is the high-quality study resources they provide. The Hawkes team created a formula sheet for MATH 1314 that is well-designed—concise, easy to read, and highly effective for exams. This tool has proven to be incredibly helpful for students, offering a clear and effective way to prepare for exams. Student Training Hawkes also provides top-notch support and training, which has been invaluable for students navigating the platform. The Hawkes Student Ambassador and Customer Success teams have been essential in helping students develop effective learning strategies. Joshua from Hawkes’ Customer Success Team, in particular, has been a great asset, leading training sessions, answering questions, and providing in-class support. His presence in the classroom has significantly boosted student confidence and comprehension. Students have recognized that Hawkes Support is always available, fostering trust that they will receive the help they need when they reach out. “Students have recognized that Hawkes Support is always available, fostering trust that they will receive the help they need when they reach out.” Encouraging Study Habits Hawkes has also fostered positive study habits and created a more engaging and supportive learning environment. We had a great turnout of students who attended our Final Exam Review at the conclusion of the Fall 2024 term. This event showed how Hawkes’ thoughtful initiatives contribute to a more collaborative and supportive atmosphere, making students feel more prepared and encouraged to succeed. The Tutor button housed in Hawkes’ Practice mode has been especially beneficial to the students’ study time. It walks students through step-by-step solutions and explains errors, helping them learn from mistakes and improve problem-solving skills. Positive Impact on Final Exam Results We had a great turnout for the final exam review session, and overall, final exam results for my classes were pretty good. Having a member of Hawkes Learning’s Customer Success Team come to my class to train students was especially helpful. His presence reinforced that students could rely on Hawkes for support. Exceptional Customer Support One of the standout aspects of Hawkes is their exceptional customer support. I can always count on Hawkes for anything—student support, instructor assistance, and more. Their customer service is outstanding, available 24/7, ensuring we receive help immediately, even after midnight and on weekends. The Hawkes support team is well-trained, helpful, and polite, making every interaction a positive one. Customer support is crucial in any educational platform, and Hawkes truly excels in this area. When students face technical issues, many other publishers are slow to respond—or don’t respond at all—leaving faculty to troubleshoot, which can be time-consuming. Hawkes stands out by providing timely, reliable support. Their tech support team is understanding, proactive, and quick to diagnose and resolve issues, even when instructors aren’t sure what’s wrong. Personalized Support from Marissa Maffei Another huge benefit of Hawkes is the personalized attention we receive from our dedicated Customer Success Specialist, Marissa Maffei. Marissa’s support has been invaluable to both instructors and students. At the start of each term, she conducts in-person meetings to assist with course setup and consistently checks in throughout the semester to ensure we have everything we need. Her eagerness to help and commitment to top-notch support provide a sense of ease, knowing assistance is always available. Marissa makes connecting effortless by offering a direct scheduling link, allowing us to book meetings at our convenience. Thanks to her support, we feel confident using Hawkes every step of the way. Peace of Mind for Faculty and Students Overall, Hawkes has made a positive impact by providing academic, financial, and student support, making learning more accessible and effective. The level of support Hawkes provides has made a significant impact on both faculty and student success. With Hawkes’ dedication to student success and their exceptional customer service, I know that we will always have the resources and assistance we need to thrive in the classroom. Hawkes has earned its place as my top choice for educational support. “The level of support Hawkes provides helps both faculty and students succeed and gives me peace of mind knowing that support is always available.”
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February 28, 2025
“Hawkes has earned its place as my top choice for educational support.”...
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Sheri Stewart, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University, has found Hawkes Learning to be an invaluable resource across the various courses she teaches. Read along to learn more about the impact Hawkes has made in Professor Stewart’s math classes! Titles & Courses: Mathematics with Applications in Business and Social Sciences – Finite Math Viewing Life Mathematically, Second Edition – Contemporary College Algebra Precalculus, Third Edition –Trigonometry College Algebra, Third Edition – College Algebra “I first started using Hawkes for my Contemporary College Algebra class, and it was a better fit in comparison to what we were using before,” Professor Stewart shares. She appreciated that the platform aligned with her teaching needs, offering engaging content that meets the demands of both face-to-face and online classes. After the math faculty saw Hawkes’ positive impact, they chose to expand its use to other courses, including College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Finite Math. Professor Stewart says that one of the standout features of Hawkes is the Learn-Practice-Certify model. “If students miss class or do not understand something during class, they have Learn to review the material again. Practice gives them all the tools they need if they’re not getting it,” Professor Stewart explains. For online and face-to-face students alike, Hawkes provides the necessary tools for mastering difficult concepts, particularly with its step-by-step guidance and AI-powered feature, AI Tutor. “The AI Tutor is great, and the tool answers the students’ questions in a way that we as professors would do. The other Tutor resources in Practice provide students step-by-step guidance and new iterations of problems to practice,” she says. Professor Stewart appreciates how the Certify feature incentivizes students to work through challenges and reach mastery in each homework lesson. “Who doesn’t like the opportunity to prove you’ve mastered at least 70% of the material and earn a 100% for your grade? This gives the students the incentive to really try,” Professor Stewart expresses. She loves that her students can revisit content until they truly understand it, without pressure. She has noticed that many students enjoy the ability to revisit material until they grasp it fully, without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, she expressed that her students enjoyed using Hawkes enough to apply to intern for the company! Per her recommendation, her student, Trenton Jeffers, applied for the Hawkes Student Ambassador internship program, which has provided extra Hawkes support to the students on campus. Hawkes Learning’s customer support has been a key positive in Professor Stewart’s experience. “Whenever I’ve had a question or encountered an issue, I’ve been able to speak directly with a knowledgeable person who resolves my problem quickly,” Professor Stewart expresses. She says she’s utilized both Hawkes’ phone and chat service, finding that the Support Team’s response has always been prompt and effective. “Whenever I’ve had a question or encountered an issue, I’ve been able to speak directly with a knowledgeable person who resolves my problem quickly.” She also values the long-term access that Hawkes provides to students. “One thing I especially appreciate is the access that students have to Hawkes materials beyond the current semester,” she notes. For students progressing through a math sequence, such as from College Algebra to Trigonometry, Professor Stewart is happy the students can still access previous course materials online. “This kind of long-term access is not something I’ve seen with other platforms,” she says. Professor Stewart encourages her students to use the “Create Your Own Practice WebTest” feature to help them focus on areas of difficulty. She values this test-prep option Hawkes provides as it allows her students to select sections they’re struggling with and quiz themselves with customized practice tests. Overall, Professor Stewart highly recommends Hawkes Learning for its comprehensive platform, customizable learning tools, and strong support. “It can give you everything that you look for,” she concludes. Ready to learn more about Hawkes Learning? Explore Hawkes’ materials here!
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February 27, 2025
Sheri Stewart, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University, has found Hawkes...
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Professor Kathie Lennertz teaches her Math 250 courses at Fort Hays State University with Hawkes Learning’s Discovering Statistics and Data, 3rd Edition materials. Before Hawkes, my students would not do enough homework to be able to master the material. They would just make a quick pass at the assignment and move on even though many would have a section score like “2 out of 14 correct.” This contributed to a poor homework score, which frequently led to a poor exam score and a poor course grade. Something had to be done to compel students to spend more time, effort, and attention to actually being able to learn concepts deeply enough to correctly solve a wide range of problems. Also, my students need course materials and technical support that take into account the needs of fully online students, most of whom are working adults. "The mastery-based assignment certification is a game-changer." I set mine to 80%, which requires a strong performance from the student without the burden of perfection. Having the relevant section materials right there in Learn gives them easy access to the book while they are working on problems. In addition, the Practice section has an amazingly large set of problems. This is especially good for difficult concepts like the Central Limit Theorem. Practice makes better, and the students need to practice. Most of the concepts are strange and new to them, so having lots of directed practice with concept-based feedback and the new AI-generated tutor is necessary. This puts the student in charge of his or her own learning, which will be a huge help to each of them later in life. They also benefit greatly from an excellent book written by a statistician like Dr. Hawkes. Statistics is a separate subject from mathematics with its own nomenclature. The book includes a large number of real-world examples from many different areas of human life. Since my students come from many different programs of major study, it gives each of them examples and problems of the sort they might find in their profession. The students demonstrate FAR greater engagement in the course. They dig into the concepts, and most are able to apply the material to their own lives. Most seem more satisfied with their course experience. I also get a lot fewer complaints about the course and some more compliments. The grades in my classes are higher too. Thus, fewer students have to repeat the course. My department likes that, the students like that, and I like that. Everybody wins. The Hawkes system helps my students learn better and have greater success in the course. They go through less “agony” during the semester. The system and I have become partners in helping students learn. The awesome customer service is a real benefit to me and my students. We know that the reps and tech staff are there for us.
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February 18, 2025
Professor Kathie Lennertz teaches her Math 250 courses at Fort Hays State...
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A Hawkes Instructor Spotlight: Dr. Hillary VanSpronsen of Maine Maritime Academy We are delighted to spotlight Dr. Hillary VanSpronsen, a dedicated and passionate educator who teaches at Maine Maritime Academy. Dr. VanSpronsen, who primarily teaches precalculus and calculus courses, has been using the Hawkes Learning platform since 2019 to help foster student success. One of our Hawkes Student Ambassadors, Orion Tevanian, interviewed Dr. VanSpronsen to discuss her teaching philosophy, how she incorporates Hawkes into her courses, and her thoughts on the platform’s mastery-based approach. Read along to learn more about Dr. VanSpronsen’s Hawkes experience. A Diverse Approach to Teaching Dr. VanSpronsen teaches several versions of precalculus, including classes with varying speeds and content, such as business math and trigonometry. This semester, she is also using Hawkes’ Single Variable Calculus with Early Transcendentals for her Calculus II course. Having worked with different textbooks and learning tools over the years, Dr. VanSpronsen has found that Hawkes offers the flexibility and support her students need. “I’ve been using Hawkes since 2019 at a previous institution, and I’ve used it in various forms, mostly for precalculus,” she said. “It’s been a great experience.” The Best Part of Teaching: Student Connection When asked about her favorite aspect of teaching, Dr. VanSpronsen highlighted the connection she builds with her students. “My students are absolutely the favorite part of my day. Going into teaching is not a drain; it fills my cup,” she shared. She enjoys engaging with her students both inside and outside the classroom. “I love talking with them, joking with them, and teaching them,” she added. “There is nothing that they could tell me that would delight me more than to say at the end of the semester that they liked my class and they potentially have a different view of math.” Why the Mastery-Based Approach Works Dr. VanSpronsen told us that she has used nearly every online homework system available over the last 20 years. One of the standout features of Hawkes that Dr. VanSpronsen appreciates is the platform’s mastery-based approach. Unlike traditional methods that focus purely on right or wrong answers, Hawkes’ Learn, Practice, Certify model encourages students to truly master the material, helping them build a solid foundation for future learning. She appreciates that Hawkes allows her the flexibility to adjust the mastery threshold for her classes. The Importance of Practice and Tools Dr. VanSpronsen’s teaching philosophy centers on the importance of practice and using all available resources to succeed. She encourages her students to take advantage of the tools provided in Hawkes, including video explanations, the textbook, and built-in help features. By giving students the opportunity to practice, review, and learn at their own pace, Dr. VanSpronsen helps them gain the confidence they need to succeed in math. Dr. VanSpronsen’s approach to teaching, combined with the support of Hawkes, empowers students to not only excel in her courses but also to build confidence in their mathematical abilities for years to come. At the heart of Dr. VanSpronsen’s teaching philosophy is a belief in her students’ ability to succeed. She strives to create a classroom environment that fosters both academic growth and personal development. “I believe all students are capable of doing math,” she said. “They just need the right coaching, the right materials, and the right mindset.”
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My students no longer saw the course as a struggle between the professor and the students, but as a team effort… It changed an ‘I-win-you-lose environment’ into a ‘win-win environment.' Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Marsh has used Hawkes since the 1980s. When he initially adopted Hawkes Learning’s materials for his courses, he adopted Dr. James Hawkes’ Adventures in Statistics. Throughout the years, Dr. Marsh has watched Hawkes grow into what it is today. Dr. Marsh enthusiastically tells other instructors about the excellent resources Hawkes provides, and as of recently, he has spread this excitement around the globe! Over the summer 2024 semester, Dr. Marsh implemented Hawkes’ Discovering Business Statistics in his regression analysis course. This course was unique in that it was taught in the Tunis City of Sciences, a major educational and cultural institution located in the capital city of Tunisia, under the sponsorship of Carthage University, Avila University and the United States Embassy. The Tunis City of Sciences (Cité des Sciences à Tunis)1 The course was taught in a lecture format with the assistance of two Tunisian professors who showed the students how to use MINITAB and EVIEWS to run the regressions for the Hawkes Learning exercises. In the afternoons, Dr. Marsh would provide additional opportunities to support the students in their homework. meet with the students in a conference room to help them with their Hawkes homework. He could quickly see the students were eager to learn and participate in the course. After his summer course, Dr. Marsh shared the following comments: Hopefully, the students learned an important lesson. Under colonial rule and/or a dictatorship, it is more about who you know, and not so much about what you know. I was allowed to recommend one student for a full scholarship to attend Avila University. I recommended a student who had successfully completed all of the Hawkes’ homework well before the others. I hardly noticed him, but he did the work and got the full scholarship recommendation. The students could see that under freedom and democracy, it is what you know that counts. The students learned about regression analysis and the Hawkes Learning System, but they also learned that it is hard work and accomplishment that really matter in a land of freedom and equal opportunity. My Tunisian experience shows, once again, that the Hawkes Learning System is spreading around the world to, hopefully, be available to benefit all students everywhere. In addition to the Hawkes homework lessons, the students were required to carry out a statistical study as a research project and give a presentation to the class. Dr. Marsh says that he chooses Hawkes time and time again due to the great framework it provides to instructors. He has found that it helps him keep track of his teaching materials while also providing further support resources to him such as activities and exercises for his homework and tests. He also appreciates how Hawkes provides a supportive learning environment for students outside of the classroom. He says, “My students needed a place to learn and gain a better understanding of the course material during times when I was not there to help them. The Hawkes ‘Practice’ exercises are excellent and give my students a very solid understanding of the material.” Dr. Marsh values how Hawkes allows instructors to pinpoint where students spend the most time on their homework. This insight helps him tailor his lectures more effectively, enabling him to emphasize key concepts in class. As a result, students can complete their assignments more easily and use their time more efficiently. “A gamechanger for the professor-student relationship.” Dr. Marsh describes Hawkes as “a gamechanger for the professor-student relationship.” He says, “by using the Hawkes software, my students no longer saw the course as a struggle between the professor and the students but as a team effort with the professor helping the students be successful in achieving certification. It changed an ‘I-win-you-lose environment’ into a ‘win-win environment.'” The professor was no longer seen as the barrier to student success but as providing great encouragement and assistance to the students in gaining a more complete understanding of the material needed to certify in the Hawkes software homework exercises, quizzes and exams.” Dr. Marsh says that his student course evaluations have improved significantly by using Hawkes Learning. He says, “The Hawkes system got me better organized and gave my students excellent instruction to supplement my classroom lectures to give my students a more complete understanding of the material.” Nasreddine Nas’h, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons ↩︎
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As Professor Neal Chambliss began his second year as an instructor at Calhoun Community College, as well as his second year using the Hawkes Learning online learning platform and textbook, he reflected on the experience he’s had so far. Mainly due to the support he has received from the Hawkes Customer Success Specialists, he describes his experience as being overwhelmingly positive. “I have encountered one thing that they have completely undersold, however: how easy it is to update due dates for a new term. This is my first opportunity to work with a class that I am teaching that I have already had set up. Everything that I did last year was building something new, and the Hawkes rep was ever so helpful and responsive in getting that going. This Fall I have the same class as last year and will be using the same assignments and basically everything that I already had set up." From previous experiences, when it was time to update the same course for the next semester, Professor Chambliss had allotted a fair amount of time to make those changes to have everything ready for his students. That’s when he realized that the amount of time he had set aside wasn’t necessary, and the Hawkes Learning platform made it as easy as 1, 2, 3. In his own words, Professor Chambliss stated, “I seriously think it was three clicks. If it was not exactly three, it was not many more. I was able to just take the previous due dates and move them ALL forward by the same amount of days, which just makes so much sense, of course, but I would not have thought of it ahead of time. This one thing alone should be a big selling point for the software – in big flashing letters on the website somewhere.” Needless to say, Professor Chambliss is a fan of the user-friendly features of the Hawkes Learning platform. “Bottom line: I really appreciate Hawkes’ awesome customer service in general, and this feature in particular."
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July 24, 2024
As Professor Neal Chambliss began his second year as an instructor at Calhoun...
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As an instructor at the University of Mississippi, I’ve integrated Hawkes into my courses, and the impact has been transformative. The intuitive interface and exceptional support from their team have streamlined my course preparation process. With just a few clicks, I can effortlessly update course curriculum, due dates, etc., which has saved me valuable time each semester. Mastery Learning: A Student-Friendly Approach Unlike other textbooks and resources I’ve used before, Hawkes offers a dynamic learning environment that engages students. Through interactive modules and real-world applications, my students develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts. The immediate feedback feature allows students to correct mistakes in real time, enhancing their learning experience. Additionally, the structured Learn, Practice, and Certify approach has significantly boosted my students’ confidence and readiness for higher-level coursework. It provides a predictable framework that supports both struggling students and those seeking to excel. Course Management Made Simple In my courses, I use the Question Builder tool extensively. This allows me to customize questions into a format that I want. It is great for building in partial credit for tests, while still requiring students to get answers completely correct on homework. Further, the review-by-question feature saves me a lot of time in my large courses. It is not uncommon for me to have 500 students each semester. With the review by question feature, I don’t need to look at answers that are already correct and I can be more consistent in my partial credit policy. Our tests are administered in a computer lab, and the questions are in a random order for each student. However, when grading, the questions can be sorted into assignment order. We can grade all of the “question number one” (referring to the assignment order) for all students, and then all of “question number two” for all students, etc. I would estimate that this feature saves me somewhere between 50 to 75% of the time I would previously spend grading each individual student’s test for partial credit. Hawkes has not only enriched my teaching experience but also enabled my students to achieve higher levels of engagement and success in their courses. It’s truly a game-changer in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. Robert Hunt, Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Mathematics Lab Administrator at the University of Mississippi Robert has taught with Hawkes Learning’s materials in his classroom for many years. Throughout the years, Professor Hunt has taught with Mathematics with Applications for Business and Social Sciences, Essential Calculus, College Algebra, and Beginning Statistics. Robert is married and has two kids; as a family, they enjoy traveling and attending sporting events together. Robert serves as a Hawkes Faculty Consultant, providing his expertise to new and returning Hawkes instructors. To learn more about Robert, check out his Instructor Spotlight!
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July 17, 2024
As an instructor at the University of Mississippi, I’ve integrated Hawkes into...
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Professor Andrew Borne, Minnesota Virtual Academy When Andrew Borne was asked to launch a new college-level, dual-credit statistics course for Minnesota Virtual Academy, he had no idea where to begin. But he knew one thing for sure: the course needed to be rigorous, accessible, and (above all) ready fast. Title & Course: Beginning Statistics, 3rd Edition – College Statistics Initially, Andrew was worried that adopting a new platform would create more problems than solutions. As an online school, his students already faced enough digital hurdles. “I was very concerned that it would be difficult to learn and manage. I was concerned it would be yet another technology hurdle my students would need to endure rather than being focused on the course content.” To his relief, Andrew Borne found that Hawkes was built with instructor needs in mind. The course setup took less than an hour, and the tools provided—including account access, an online textbook, and printed materials—made the process seamless. “I needed a high-quality college course up and running quick. That’s what I got. The students had NO difficulties.” One feature that stood out to Professor Borne was the ability to view the course as a student, offering full transparency into the learning experience. “I can actually see for myself how the pacing works—and verify the practice and assessments are fair.” Beyond the platform itself, Andrew emphasizes the exceptional customer support that came with it. “During business hours, I can phone in for a question, and I reach a human that is smart and knows how to answer my questions or fix my issue.” "The Customer Service was uncommonly awesome." For instructors looking for a flexible, well-supported, and easy-to-implement course solution—especially under tight timelines—Andrew says it best: “Quizzes, tests, extra content… all there and with flexibility to teach it how I wanted to teach it with the appropriate rigor.”
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June 19, 2024
Title & Course: Beginning Statistics, 3rd Edition – College Statistics
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Course: Intermediate Algebra Quick Stats: 86% of students surveyed prefer Hawkes to alternative learning programs. Professor Marjorie Johnson is an instructor at Midway University and uses Hawkes’ Intermediate Algebra software in her Math135 course. Professor Johnson has described Hawkes as easy to use among for diverse groups of of learners. She was glad that the system was easy to learn, allowing her to quickly assist her students with learning how to navigate the platform. She and her students appreciate how Hawkes provides multiple resources on the same webpage through the homework’s Learn, Practice, Certify sequence. Through Hawkes’ straightforward layout, she has found that the students can jump straight into learning the content versus learning a complicated homework system, avoiding frustration and increasing motivation. Professor Johnson also reported that the instructor platform is equally easy to use, resulting in less time building her courses and more time focusing on students’ needs like creating tailored assessments and lessons. “Hawkes Learning has made the online learning experience streamlined and easy for both instructors and students.” Professor Johnson surveyed some of her students who had used learning programs other than Hawkes Learning. 86% of students surveyed prefer Hawkes to alternative learning programs. From this survey, students reported experiencing: Fewer technical issues Increased accessibility by offering student-friendly pricing Better instructional videos in the software A more intuitive, easy-to-navigate platform “My experience has been excellent for Hawkes Learning. I even requested that if I teach a course that does not use Hawkes Learning, I can switch to Hawkes Learning. The customer service is better than any I have experienced. I have a dedicated Customer Service Specialist, Marissa Maffei, who responds quickly when I have a question. She has never let me down!" Professor Marjorie Johnson
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May 9, 2024
Course: Intermediate Algebra Quick Stats: 86% of students surveyed prefer...
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Courses: General Math Problem Solving, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus Course Type: Computer Lab, Self-Paced Overview: “I think using Hawkes Learning is a fantastic opportunity for all students to learn and achieve at their own pace. Teachers can add in their own activities and resources to continue to aid students in enhancing their math abilities. The friendliness of the Hawkes team is second to none. Patient, informative, and knowledgeable are all excellent qualities possessed by the Hawkes family.” —Kim Halsey Kim Halsey has been using Hawkes Learning’s courseware at Bath County High School since 2009. Her class is part of Morehead State University’s Dual Enrollment Program, which offers high school students college credit. From the first time she saw the courseware, Kim knew she wanted to “use it in every class possible.” Read more of Kim’s experience below! Testimonial: “When I first started using Hawkes, I switched off days between lecture and lab. This was harder to manage because every student worked at a different pace. All my classes now meet in a computer lab, and I may have up to six classes meeting at the same time. Each is self-paced, and I do one-on-one instruction to help students with any questions. I also encourage them to ask each other questions and talk about the math. I love the self-paced atmosphere Hawkes allows. The Learn and Practice sections offer instant feedback and flexibility and help students focus on their weak areas. The most beneficial part for students is that the Certify section is mastery-based. This is very important! It forces students to work hard to learn the material and not just memorize problem types. “As an instructor, I like the grade book and the ease of set up for the classes overall. It is very user-friendly, and I can tell at a quick glance what part of the Learning Path a student is on. I also love the friendly people at Hawkes. They are very knowledgeable and patient with phone calls. You can almost hear them smiling at you through the phone.”
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July 21, 2021
Courses: General Math Problem Solving, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra,...
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Course: English Composition Course Type: Supplement to Lecture and Hybrid Sections “I was immediately drawn to the customer service. Whenever there is an issue, and there aren’t many, the Hawkes support teams can resolve it within minutes. As for the product, I think it makes sense to students, and it’s comfortable yet challenging for them to use.” “I really enjoy using Hawkes; both the product and service are phenomenal. I think my students get a lot out of it.” Professor Nick Brittin at Lake Michigan College has been using Hawkes Learning’s English Composition since 2016 in both his face-to-face and hybrid sections. Brittin chose to incorporate this software in his courses because he wanted to spend more time with students developing their ideas and their writing. By assigning homework through Hawkes, he uses less class time lecturing and more time on collaboration, essay development, revision, and in-depth class discussions. Brittin believes the mastery-based approach of Hawkes benefits students, who are able to learn at a “personalized pace, so they aren’t held back by the rigidity of a traditional content structure.” He has observed how some students move through the material quickly, while others need to spend more time with the lesson content before mastering it. Each student has access to interactive eBook content in the software’s Learn mode, which includes videos and relates lessons to students’ personal, professional, and academic lives. The Practice mode contains questions with detailed tutorials and step-by-step, error-specific feedback for common mistakes. The Certify mode acts as the homework that students must master at an 80% proficiency level to receive full credit for each assignment. With this system and their valuable class time, students master the foundational content of a composition course while deepening the writing skills that they can apply to any college course.
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February 28, 2020
Course: English Composition Course Type: Supplement to Lecture and Hybrid...
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Courses: English Composition I and II Course Type: Corequisite, Online The English Department at Big Sandy Community and Technical College – Pikeville Campus found that many students entering English Composition needed additional support and remediation to target reading and writing skill gaps. So, in addition to offering ENG 101, the department offers a section of this course with supplemental instruction. Testimonial: Professor Rebecca Mullins teaches online and in-person sections of ENG 101, ENG 101S, and ENG 102. She chose to incorporate Hawkes Learning’s English Composition with Integrated Review courseware in each course because of the publisher’s quality support, the platform’s user-friendly interface, its ability to offer single sign-on and sync grades with Blackboard, and its flexible nature in accommodating the needs of her different course structures. The supplemental section is offered to students with lower placement scores. At the beginning of the semester, students complete a pre-created grammar diagnostic test within the courseware. This 50-question assessment identifies areas of proficiency and specific knowledge gaps and creates a customized curriculum for each student. Students can place out of certain learning modules in the Hawkes’ courseware based on their performance. Students are also required to meet with the instructor at least twice a semester. They can gain bonus points by completing four additional lesson modules to help remedy skill gaps and prepare them for success in ENG 102. Quick Quotes: “Students who worked on the lessons (supplemental and not supplemental) remarked how beneficial they felt the lessons were and how well they tied to my curriculum…They also stated that they felt this freed us up to focus more on actual writing and writing strategies during our face-to-face time; therefore, they were able to become more aware and confident of who they were as writers and how effective writing would benefit their futures.” —Professor Rebecca Mullins “This system allowed me to get ideas and review my own story for any errors before turning in a full draft. With the full draft system, I certainly appreciated the rewrite option. I always took this opportunity. Even if my score was fine, I would still go back and revise to know what I did incorrectly.” —Student
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June 25, 2019
Courses: English Composition I and II Course Type: Corequisite, Online The...
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