With students increasingly turning their backs on recommended reading in favour of alternative sources of information on the internet, how can you encourage them to engage with the materials you have carefully selected for relevance and quality? The answer probably has at least something to do with expectations – both in terms of the expectations placed on students to complete the course preparation and homework, and the expectations of the instructor on what is realistic (quantity) and what the intended outcome is (is reading the best or only way to convey this point?).

Assessments within Connect can be powerful tools for enhancing student understanding, critical thinking, and retention of course material. As educators, we know all students have different learning styles; they can be auditory, kinesthetic, or visual learners. Engaging students is key to both their—and our—success.