Hawkes Learning’s homework lessons are broken into a 3-step learning mode: Learn, Practice and Certify. Certify is designed to ensure students truly know the material. Built on the principles of Mastery Learning, Certify challenges students to demonstrate a defined level of proficiency before moving forward. During each Certify attempt, tutoring aids are removed, encouraging independent problem-solving and reinforcing genuine understanding. This intentional structure promotes confidence, accountability, and long-term retention, helping students build a strong foundation they can rely on both inside and outside the classroom. This mastery-based approach mirrors the conditions students face on proctored exams, making Certify a powerful preparation tool. By requiring students to work independently—without access to tutoring aids—Certify helps them practice recalling concepts, applying problem-solving strategies, and managing confidence under pressure. Because students must reach a defined level of proficiency before progressing, gaps in understanding are identified and corrected early, not discovered on exam day. The result is deeper retention, reduced test anxiety, and exam performance that reflects true understanding rather than short-term memorization. Learn more about how Hawkes helps students prepare for exams from our Hawkes Student Ambassadors Ash from University of Charleston Certify has helped me feel more ready for exams by giving me practice, but also by bridging the gap between Practice mode and the exam. Certify offers lower stakes than an exam, allowing for multiple retries and allowing you to miss a few problems and still complete it (due to the mastery approach). This can help improve my confidence before an exam and reduce my test anxiety. Certify also holds you accountable to completing practice questions without learning aids which you won't have on an exam. Ty'Nia from University of Arkansas Certify has helped me feel more ready for exams, because once you Certify, that means you've learned to the point of mastery. Hannah from Prairie View A&M University Going through Certify has helped me know the processes and have the understanding needed to complete the problems on the Exams. In my Calculus 1 course, some of the exam problems were similar to those in Certify and having completed them in Certify allowed me to be successful in completing them on my exam. Calliope from Guilford College It [Certify] allowed me to assess my weak spots even if I had shown mastery, and this was very helpful when reviewing for tests. Certify built confidence in my literacy of a subject and that translated well to my confidence on exams when I saw similar problems. Redoing Certifications later also allowed me to prep in a test-like setting. Rishi from University of North Carolina-Charlotte Certify gives me a way to use my own knowledge to complete problems. When I do Certify, I try to do all the problems without getting one wrong. If I get one wrong, I start over so I can be more motivated to take my time and do the problems. Trenton from Prairie View A&M University It [Certify] has made me feel like I was taking a quiz. Since I had to actually learn it to even get a grade for the assignment, it helped me prepare for the questions I would see in the exam environment. Sabrina from SUNY - Old Westbury Certify has helped me feel more ready for exams because the mastery approach pushes me to fully understand the material rather than just complete assignments. Since I have to consistently demonstrate accuracy, it encourages me to review concepts, fix mistakes, and truly learn the content before moving on. For example, when preparing for exams, I noticed that Certify helped me identify weak areas that I might have overlooked. If I struggled to reach mastery on certain topics, I would go back to Practice, use Explain Error, and repeat problems until I felt confident. This process made my studying more focused and effective instead of reviewing everything equally.
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April 6, 2026
Hawkes Learning’s homework lessons are broken into a 3-step learning mode:...
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Mastery learning is transforming the way students engage with challenging material, and Hawkes Learning is at the forefront of this shift. By emphasizing understanding over memorization, Hawkes empowers students to take control of their learning journey, building confidence through personalized, self-paced practice. In this blog, we're highlighting firsthand experiences from students who have thrived using Hawkes Learning’s mastery-based approach—discovering not only improved grades but also a renewed sense of motivation and achievement in their academic lives. Let’s hear directly from the students who’ve experienced the power of mastery learning. Ella from Guilford College “Hawkes’ mastery approach has made a difference in my educational experience because it makes it feel more personal. I know I can learn at my own pace and always go back to practice to understand the content before being tested on it. This makes me feel more at ease when learning something because I know I don’t have the pressure of a time constraint and I don’t have to get it right the first time.” Trenton from Prairie View A&M University “I love the Hawkes mastery approach because it forces you to learn to do the work (in a good way). It makes you go to the practice first and study as much as you can and work on a bunch of practice problems. Then, you are able to move on to similar questions in the Certify mode (using the mastery approach). It helps you genuinely learn instead of just doing homework.” Ash from University of Charleston “The mastery approach allows me to go through my Certify lessons and complete a majority of the lessons that I am confident in, while still getting a few problems wrong that I might be struggling with a little bit. This creates a more stress-free environment, where I can get one or two questions wrong and then go back and focus on them later, which ultimately reduces the number of errors I make from just being stressed about getting everything right.” Stephanie from Walla Walla University “Before I started using Hawkes, I would just hope for the best, but with Hawkes, it would make me understand before we moved forward… When I made a mistake, it didn’t just mark me wrong; it showed me how I was wrong and what I could do to fix it. The Certify part is my favorite because it makes me make sure that I understand the lesson before moving on and be more patient and consistent with my studying. Overall, the mastery approach has made me feel more confident in my studies.” Jay from San Diego City College “I absolutely loved Hawkes’ mastery approach. I loved how the structure is clear and concise, and the varied problem-solving really serves as a great stepping stone toward mastering just about any subject. I loved how I was always able to have a clear goal in mind, and that really made it feel easier and a lot more accessible while I was learning.”
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October 22, 2025
Mastery learning is transforming the way students engage with challenging...
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With rising academic pressure and student stress at an all-time high, many students are tempted to seek shortcuts for completing assignments, with apps like Mathway and Photomath offering quick solutions. However, as many students have discovered, these tools may help solve their homework problems, but don’t foster long-term understanding. In contrast, Hawkes Learning has garnered praise for its mastery-based approach, which not only helps students solve problems but also encourages a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. Through step-by-step guidance and personalized learning features, Hawkes helps students build real confidence and skills, preparing them for exams and future success. It’s this emphasis on genuine learning, rather than quick fixes, that truly sets Hawkes apart. Hear directly from our Student Ambassadors on how Hawkes has enhanced their own learning experiences leading to lasting success. Terrell B. from Mississippi Valley State University: “Hawkes Learning has truly helped me build a strong understanding of math by guiding me through each concept step by step rather than just giving me the answer. Unlike instant-solve apps like Photo Math, which only provide quick solutions, Hawkes ensures I learn the material through its mastery-based approach. One of the biggest advantages is that it identifies the areas where I struggle and gives me personalized questions to strengthen my understanding, making it feel like I have a tutor built into the program. This has greatly impacted my confidence and performance because I no longer memorize answers; I understand how to solve problems on my own. Thanks to Hawkes’ interactive tools and customized learning features, I’ve seen real improvements in my test scores and overall comprehension, and I know these skills will help me succeed far beyond the classroom.” Ada B. from Guilford College: “They [Hawkes Learning] want to see you succeed, and every aspect of the software works towards that goal. I say this having taken a Hawkes Statistics course in my first semester of college. With Hawkes, I easily secured an “A.” I was able to do so because everything is right there: Explain Error, Step-By-Step, lessons, 24/7 tutors. I never wanted for assistance, and was thus able to secure a passing grade, not without some difficulty, but without giving up. And even more than that, I came through with an understanding of—and even an interest in—the course. With Hawkes, you can rest assured that the help you receive comes directly from the software itself rather than some sketchy website deep within the bowels of the internet, and it is tailored to your individual needs. Learning isn’t a “one size fits all” endeavor. It, like any other art, requires a degree of personalization and adjustment. Hawkes recognizes this and sees it as an advantage rather than an obstacle.“ John S. from the University of Mississippi: “I would personally like to say how much Hawkes has helped me master my math lessons. I feel confident going into the lab to take my exam because I know that I can solve anything that is going to be asked on that test. Instant solving websites only give you an answer, that is not even always correct, instead of helping you work through the problem and explain why you got it wrong. This is where Hawkes differs because it provides the step by step solution and an AI tutor to help you understand the concept that the question is based around. In all, the instant solution websites are only momentarily helpful, while Hawkes sets students up for long-term success.“ Vatsal B. from the University of North Carolina—Charlotte: “Relying on cheating apps might save you time in the short term, but it will hurt in more challenging classes in the future. Hawkes leads to long-term success by teaching you to actually learn the concepts and formulas.” Inam O. from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise: “Hawkes actually helps you learn instead of just giving you the answer like apps such as MathWay, Studocu, or GauthMath. Those apps might seem like a quick fix, but they don’t really teach you anything. They just spit out solutions. That might get you through homework, but when it’s time for a test, you’re stuck… With Hawkes, you have to actually work through problems step-by-step, so you understand why the answer is what it is. The way it is set up forces you to practice until you really get it, which makes a huge difference when it comes to exams or using math later. Even if you’re not in a math class right now, the same idea applies to other subjects. Real learning takes effort, and shortcuts don’t lead to long-term success.“ Are you interested in becoming a Hawkes Student Ambassador? Learn more about this exciting internship opportunity and submit your application here!
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March 26, 2025
With rising academic pressure and student stress at an all-time high, many...
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Imagine your students having access to a personal tutor whenever they need it, to guide them through challenging concepts with both patience and precision. That’s exactly what AI Tutor offers: real-time, personalized support through responsible generative AI. C Check out this student panel from the Spring 2025 Innovative Educators Summit to hear the benefits of AI Tutor directly from students using it! More Than Just Answers We know generative AI has a mixed reputation among educators; that’s why we intentionally designed AI Tutor to be different. Instead of simply handing out answers, it acts in a conversational manner, fostering critical thinking by asking guiding questions and prompting deeper engagement with the material. This approach helps students develop problem-solving skills, build confidence, and become independent learners—benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. With AI Tutor, students get a responsible, AI-driven support system that enhances learning in multiple ways. Below are just some examples of how AI Tutor supports genuine learning, along with examples of questions that it can handle. Remediation Opportunities Build background knowledge, define unfamiliar words, and get problem-solving guidance. Ex. Can you define reactant for me? Ex. Can you give me some background information on this? Simplified Explanations AI Tutor breaks down material with easy-to-understand explanations and provides step-by-step instructions, enhancing mastery and building confidence. Ex. Can you break this down into simpler terms? Ex. Can you walk me through each step of this problem? Ex. Can you explain this in a different way? Ex. Can you provide additional examples? Enrichment Opportunities AI Tutor can explain how a concept applies to the real world, helping to bridge the gap between theory and application. It can also explain how it is relevant to a current or future career path. Ex. Can you offer a real-world example of this? Ex. Can you connect this to my future career field in [X]? Ex. I am a nursing student. How does this help me with my job? Calculator Instructions Step-by-step instructions guide students through the calculator process, helping them solve problems faster and more effectively. Ex. How do I solve this with a TI-84 calculator? Customer Support Redirect (Available May 2025) Students will be redirected to Customer Support when asking a technology-specific question unique to Hawkes Learning. Ex. How do I reset my password? Ex. How do I access my eBook?
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March 20, 2025
Imagine your students having access to a personal tutor whenever they need it,...
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We believe technology should enhance learning, not replace the human element of education. By combining cutting-edge AI with a deep understanding of student needs, AI Tutor empowers learners through a personalized, responsible approach that puts student success at the center of their learning experience. What happens when student insights meet innovation? Read on to discover how AI Tutor is changing the game in personalized learning support. The Student Perspective: Real Voices, Real Impact When I first experienced the AI Tutor, I was intrigued by its potential to provide personalized learning assistance. It felt innovative and promising, especially in how it could cater to individual student needs. Students can ask questions at any point in their learning process, and the AI provides instant, detailed responses, which is a huge advantage in self-paced learning environments. – Emaline from Piedmont University My initial thoughts were how helpful the AI Tutor was with small detail questions. The AI tool really helped fill knowledge gaps. – Kristin from Navarro College I must say, Hawkes Learning has outdone themselves! The AI tool is accessible in that it understands what you were trying to write or ask; you can even ask it to relate your question to a real-life example! Eliminating the need for Google and cellphones will help students stay focused on that task at hand, keeping them from getting distracted by ads or other sites found on the internet. I also think the AI tool provides straightforward responses to the questions you ask it, so there is no need to run to Google or Siri to ask it to define what ethos, pathos, and logos are for example. – Spencer from Piedmont University I believe the most helpful aspect of the AI Tutor tool is its ability to provide immediate, personalized feedback to complex inquiries. The AI Tutor tool will significantly enhance students’ learning experiences in their Hawkes Learning classes by offering individualized support. This kind of interaction promotes independent learning, helping students to build their confidence and deepen their understanding of the content of the course. – Lauren from Nassau Community College I think the most helpful thing is the location of the AI tool. When going through the practice, the AI tool is perfectly visible, allowing students to easily access the helpful tool. Another helpful thing is that it keeps the student on track. If asked about a question outside of the topic at hand, it will guide the student to ask questions about the material they are learning. – Trenton from Prairie View A&M University My initial thoughts when I experienced the AI Tool were that it seemed very simple to understand and use. I think the most helpful aspect is that it ensures that you understand the material. – Rachel from College of Coastal Georgia Discover the power of AI Tutor at hawkeslearning.com/aitutor
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A guest blog by Student Ambassador, Lakshmi Nikhitha Tellakula, from the University of North Texas Greetings, fellow students! I’m excited to share with you my recent experience completing a difficult business analytics course as a committed Hawkes Student Ambassador. I firmly believe that the Hawkes’ Mastery Approach played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey, and I am excited to delve into the details with you. Embracing Complexity with Support I must admit that I was a little intimidated by the subject matter when I first stepped foot into the advanced field of business analytics. Hawkes’ Mastery Approach proved to be a trustworthy mentor, providing organized assistance that enabled me to confidently work through these challenging concepts. In the realm of education, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of superficial learning, focusing solely on achieving high grades without truly grasping the underlying concepts. Hawkes encouraged a more in-depth and significant interaction with the material. The Mastery Approach prioritized comprehension and mastery over memory, fostering a true knowledge of the material. A Transformative Learning Philosophy For me, this change in learning methodology was quite transformative. I started to value education as an ongoing process of exploration and discovery rather than as a race to complete assignments. With a newfound sense of confidence, this viewpoint enabled me to approach my studies with a fresh sense of enthusiasm and dedication, which ultimately helped me excel in the course. The Mastery Approach in Action: Certify Mode One aspect of Hawkes’ Mastery Approach that impressed me greatly was its implementation in the “Certify mode.” Far from being a mundane series of exercises, this mode felt like a meticulously designed learning pathway tailored to facilitate mastery. Each step was thoughtfully crafted to reinforce learning, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the course material. Expressing Gratitude to Hawkes In conclusion, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hawkes for providing such an enriching and empowering learning experience. The Mastery Approach has equipped me with not only the knowledge and skills required to succeed but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of the learning process itself. Meet the Author: Lakshmi Nikhitha Tellakula, an MBA student at the University of North Texas specializing in Business Analytics, is recognized for her unique blend of analytical prowess and business acumen. With a focus on enhancing student experiences through data-driven insights, she aspires to become a senior business analyst post-graduation. Actively engaged in campus activities such as the Asian Student Association, and Public Relations Club, and serving as a Volunteer Social Media Coordinator, she demonstrates dedication to both academic and extracurricular excellence. In her leisure time, she finds enjoyment in playing chess and badminton, reflecting her varied interests.
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August 2, 2024
A guest blog by Student Ambassador, Lakshmi Nikhitha Tellakula, from the...
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