McGraw-Hill SmartBook and Connect are powerful learning platforms, but they can feel overwhelming. These 10 practical tips will help you get more out of every assignment.
1. Read the Learning Objectives First
Before diving into any SmartBook assignment, scan the learning objectives. They tell you exactly what concepts will be tested, so you can focus your reading and avoid wasting time on tangential information.
2. Use the Highlight and Note Features
SmartBook's built-in highlighting and note-taking tools are underutilized by most students. Mark key terms and definitions as you read — they'll appear in your review sessions automatically.
3. Complete Assignments Before the Deadline
SmartBook tracks your progress over time. Starting early gives the adaptive algorithm more data to personalize your study sessions, leading to better retention and higher scores.
4. Revisit "Needs More Practice" Items
The platform flags questions you got wrong or struggled with. Don't ignore these — they're the most valuable part of the adaptive learning system.
5. Use Connect's Practice Mode
Many Connect courses offer a practice mode where you can attempt questions without affecting your grade. Use this to build confidence before tackling graded assignments.
6. Take Breaks Between Sessions
Spaced repetition is more effective than marathon study sessions. Break your SmartBook work into 25-30 minute blocks with short breaks in between.
7. Review Your Performance Reports
Connect's analytics dashboard shows your performance by topic and question type. Use this data to identify your weakest areas and prioritize your study time.
8. Don't Skip the "Did You Know" Sections
These brief contextual notes often contain the exact information that appears on exams. They're easy to overlook but frequently tested.
9. Use the Mobile App for Review
The McGraw-Hill mobile app lets you review SmartBook content on the go. Use commute time or breaks to revisit flagged items.
10. Leverage SolveX for Difficult Assignments
When you're stuck on a particularly challenging assignment, tools like SolveX can help you understand the correct answers and move forward without getting derailed.