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University of Central Florida

EasyWriter, Sixth Edition

Remember your audience. And their audience. 

In less than 30 years, The University of Central Florida, in Orlando, has experienced unprecedented growth and now has more students enrolled on campus than any other U.S. college or university. With over 68,000 students enrolled in the fall of 2018, the school also broke records for diversity: 47% of students are minorities, of which 26% are Hispanic. Additionally, the school has a large number of international students.

Imagine, then, the challenges facing the committee to find a text suitable for their required Composition I & II courses while also meeting the needs of their audience. A new chair assumed leadership and, wisely, revised the curriculum to reflect their diverse and multilingual student population. Even with this change, it was clear a standard text would not work and assistance from a reputable publisher with a deep list of the highest quality was needed. Indeed, the text being used, published by a small publisher purporting to meet the needs of students and professors, was riddled with mistakes. This publisher did not have the list depth that Macmillan Publishers does, nor the custom capabilities that Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions has.

Thanks to a long-standing and supportive relationship with Lara Thomas of Macmillan Publishers and Bob Schaller of Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions, the groups worked diligently to brainstorm ideas, explore materials UCF had and wanted to include, and review the numerous options available from Macmillan. After multiple meetings, the appropriate materials were chosen and production began.

The custom edition included:

  • An introduction with original material from UCF.
  • Essays from prior 1101 and 1102 students.
  • Two forewords from Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions.
  • The complete text, EasyWriter, 6e by Andrea Lunsford.
  • A section entitled “Researching Writing and Literacy at UCF” from UCF.

A royalty was included that helps the department support underfunded programs. Because of a superior solution and consistent support from Macmillan, the decision to move to the new edition of EasyWriter was seamless, and work on the new custom edition is underway.

By working together with all departments of Macmillan and establishing a mutually respectful relationship with UCF, Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions continues to deliver a high-quality text that meets the needs of the students and the instructors.

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        • The World of Communication Cover

          Boston University

          The World of Communication: The Human Storyteller

          by The Missouri Group

          Unusual course? Macmillan Learning Custom Solutions is your answer!

          Sometimes a custom text begins with finding the right resources for an uncommon course. Such is the case at Boston University and their human communication course. Unlike the traditional curriculum of introduction to communication, interpersonal communication, and public speaking, COM 101: Introduction to Communications focuses on the numerous professions in communications. These range from journalism and public relations to filmmaking and online media.

          In addition to its unique approach, the communication faculty also elected to team teach the course. Each week, as appropriate, a different individual teaches an area that they have expertise in. The department turned to Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions for help. Under the direction of Senior Associate Dean Dustin W. Supa, Brian Wheel and Brett Sullivan worked diligently to find and deliver appropriate materials. This involved meeting with the individual professors and reviewing texts available from Macmillan Learning. Ultimately, the custom text consists primarily of materials from News Reporting & Writing, 11e, with select chapters from the following five books: Filmmaking in Action, The Film Experience, 5e, Media & Culture, 10e, Media in Society, and Telling the Story, 5e.

          To better maintain consistency, the department wrote a 33-page introduction that discusses the field of communication, their specific course, their academic conduct expectations, and possible degrees in communication at BU. Previously, the COM 101 course was not popular, but under Supa’s guidance the remodeled course is in high demand and receives positive praise from former and current students. As with any worthwhile course, it challenges and provokes students with many leaving the course with a newfound and often unexpected interest in pursuing the field.


        • Business and Professional Communication in the Information Age

          The University of Tennessee

          Business and Professional Communication in the Information Age, 3e

          Are traditional books too bulky? Write your own! (With the right publisher, of course)

          Traditional textbooks often become victims of their own success as their audience grows. Hoping to grow market share and appeal to everyone, many become unwieldy versions of their former selves. Sadly, students pay for this in the long run as their instructors only use portions of the text, but the students have to buy the entire costly textbook.

          John William Haas, Director of the School of Communications Studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, noticed this unsettling trend as he evaluated their Business Communication course materials. In addition to Business Communication, many books covered additional topics like Interpersonal and Human Communication that were not covered in their course. Their students were spending well over $100 on books where they may only use 50% of the material.

          So he took matters into his own hands and wrote the right book for the course. After an unfortunate experience with another publisher, he was approached by Hayden-McNeil and has had a wonderful experience publishing with our team. The book has evolved from its inception, but continues to include only the pertinent information students need for their course at less than half the price of most other Business Communication books. Thanks to a talented and innovative managing editor, the book now includes an access code that allows students to take online tests that are both administered and graded by Hayden-McNeil. This feature wins praise from both the students and the faculty for its ease of use, accessibility, and a decreased faculty work-load.

          The next step in the evolution of this text will be a fully online course solution with an eBook, that will help reduce costs, improve sustainability, and allow for more frequent updates. With a focus on students and their needs, Dr. Haas and his team have provided Communication Studies 240 students a well-priced and course-specific text. Following his retirement, Dr. Haas intends to transfer all his content rights to the department so that this project remains the successful solution he worked so hard to create.


        • Speak Up! An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking, 4e

          Rutgers University

          Speak Up! An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking, 4e

          by Douglas M. Fraleigh and Joseph S. Tuman

          Aligning the text to their course + royalties = Win/Win

          Increased budget cuts and a desire to incorporate their rubrics in the text led Brian Householder, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Communication, to seek a creative solution to their course material problems. Working with Kelli Goldenberg and Brett Sullivan of Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions, Brian created a custom version of Speak Up! for their course and curriculum. Specifically, the department wanted to include three rubrics after each of the assigned chapters to correlate with their classroom activities and added original introductory material to describe their approach to the course.

          The department views their custom text as a work-in-progress that will grow and better align with the program with each revision. For example, Nikolaos Linardopoulos, public speaking course coordinator, wants to include material on the history of speech and its cultural aspects. He specifically wants to focus on Greece in light of his Greek heritage.

          The department also wanted to provide a less expensive text while still contributing to a department fund for student travel to speech conferences. This custom text successfully accomplishes both and the department graciously endows the student fund with their royalties. In turn, students travel to conferences they otherwise could not have attended and are exposed to new ideas and career possibilities.

          By working together with specific goals in place, the teams from Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions and the Rutgers Department of Communication have delivered a tailored text that increases student participation in the discipline and gives them new opportunities.

        • EasyWriter Cover

          University of Central Florida

          EasyWriter, Sixth Edition

          Remember your audience. And their audience.

          In less than 30 years, The University of Central Florida, in Orlando, has experienced unprecedented growth and now has more students enrolled on campus than any other U.S. college or university. With over 68,000 students enrolled in the fall of 2018, the school also broke records for diversity: 47% of students are minorities, of which 26% are Hispanic. Additionally, the school has a large number of international students.

          Imagine, then, the challenges facing the committee to find a text suitable for their required Composition I & II courses while also meeting the needs of their audience. A new chair assumed leadership and, wisely, revised the curriculum to reflect their diverse and multilingual student population. Even with this change, it was clear a standard text would not work and assistance from a reputable publisher with a deep list of the highest quality was needed. Indeed, the text being used, published by a small publisher purporting to meet the needs of students and professors, was riddled with mistakes. This publisher did not have the list depth that Macmillan Publishers does, nor the custom capabilities that Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions has.

          Thanks to a long-standing and supportive relationship with Lara Thomas of Macmillan Publishers and Bob Schaller of Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions, the groups worked diligently to brainstorm ideas, explore materials UCF had and wanted to include, and review the numerous options available from Macmillan. After multiple meetings, the appropriate materials were chosen and production began.

          The custom edition included:

          • An introduction with original material from UCF.
          • Essays from prior 1101 and 1102 students.
          • Two forewords from Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions.
          • The complete text, EasyWriter, 6e by Andrea Lunsford.
          • A section entitled “Researching Writing and Literacy at UCF” from UCF.

          A royalty was included that helps the department support underfunded programs. Because of a superior solution and consistent support from Macmillan, the decision to move to the new edition of EasyWriter was seamless, and work on the new custom edition is underway.

          By working together with all departments of Macmillan and establishing a mutually respectful relationship with UCF, Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions continues to deliver a high-quality text that meets the needs of the students and the instructors.

        • Exploring American Histories Cover

          Kilgore College

          Exploring American Histories, Second Edition

          Keeping it simple for a custom-savvy faculty.

          The faculty at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, recognize the value of a text customized to their course. This is true across many disciplines, including Psychology, English, and History. They realize that by exploring the materials the publisher has to offer (and adding their own), they can create a text specifically for their curriculum and students. It’s really that simple.

          The first step is finding the right publisher, which they did with Macmillan Publishers. The second is appreciating the ease of the process, which Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions provides. The third? Being savvy enough to know it.

          They know it because they’ve taken the time to explore the flexibility it allows. And they’ve been guided by the professionals in all departments of Macmillan.

          A specific example is the American History course. Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions led a presentation of possible texts and ancillary/supplemental materials along with suggestions for helpful campus-specific original materials. In its first custom edition, the text was loose leaf and included the following:

          • Original materials from Kilgore College, including course-related details, campus maps, and other reference materials.
          • Chapters from A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, 8e, by Mary Lynn Rampolla.
          • The complete text, Exploring American Histories, 2e.
          • “Taking Effective Notes” and “Working with Primary Sources” from the Bedford History Tutorials were included at the back of the book as “Supplemental Materials for Kilgore College.”

          The text was packaged with LaunchPad. Unfortunately, the school’s independent bookstore bought back the loose.leaf materials, leaving many students with packages missing multiple pages. To avoid this, the team elected to publish a paperback version packaged with LaunchPad. For students who purchased a used text, a unique URL is provided to access LaunchPad. Additionally, as with many schools and underfunded programs, a royalty is added for their own materials that can be used to supplement their travel funds for conferences.

          By working with the department, and both guiding them and following their lead, Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions has become and remains their trusted partner.

        • Gender in a Changing World, Fourth Edition

          Western Washington University

          Gender in a Changing World, Fourth Edition

          A generation-specific Gender Psychology book targeting Millennials and Generation Z that has also contributed to a deeper understanding of gender from older generations.

          It is common to see two people sitting together, each absorbed in their phone, and not once looking up or seeking a connection with the other person. Likewise, there can be groups of people seemingly together but all focused on technology rather than each other. These situations have become commonplace and generally accepted in today’s world, but what are the ramifications for generations who grow up in such an environment? Does it change the way they relate and connect to others?

          In 2004, Lena Ericksen of Western Washington University presented a paper about the psychological effects of progressively spending more time on computers and the Internet. Her findings indicated that this activity shift fundamentally altered the worldview of entire generations. When she began teaching Gender Psychology, she realized her findings were further validated when standard texts on the subject simply did not connect with Millennials or Generation Z.

          During that same time, Lena began working with Marc Shimazu, who had spent more than a decade in the advertising industry determining how to communicate with individuals whose worldview is shaped by technology. Through this partnership, Lena and Marc published Nations of One: The Emerging Psychology of the 21st Century, which addressed how technology affects our outlook on the world. While presenting at The University of Texas at Austin, they were asked to write a textbook about gender relations from an evolutionary psychological perspective. And thus, Gender in a Changing World, their groundbreaking text now in its fourth edition, was born.

          With each revision, the authors make sure to seek feedback from students and other readers and incorporate it. Interestingly, one of the most unusual and consistent responses is that many students planned on giving the book to their parents to help them understand their own relationships. Ultimately, the authors hope to better understand and communicate the impact of these generations’ behavior on gender and relationships. As a bonus, they hope to help other generations respect these new perspectives and perhaps foster discussion about their differences; instead of sending a text.


        • The Science of Human Experience Cover

          Virginia Tech

          The Science of Human Experience

          Supporting and promoting a grassroots movement leads to an innovative psychology text.

          Scott Geller, Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech and Director of the Center for Applied Behavior Systems in the Department of Psychology, originally developed the Actively Caring for People (AC4P™) initiative using behavioral science in organizations to keep people safe.

          Shockingly, on April 16, 2007, the deadliest mass shooting ever on a college campus occurred at his school, Virginia Tech. A deeply disturbed student fatally shot 32 students and faculty members and wounded 23 others. In response to this horrifying act of violence, AC4P was expanded to make its premise and ensuing behavior the social norm in all areas of life. AC4P involves four simple steps:

          1) Observe an Act of Kindness.

          2) Act by Thanking the Person.

          3) Pass along a wristband.

          4) Share the story on ac4p.org where you detail the act of kindness by associating it with the specific ID for the wristband that you passed along.

          (You can read more about AC4P here: https://activelycaringpeople.org/)

          In addition to the core beliefs of AC4P, Geller includes the seven life lessons related to humanistic behaviorism. His goal, along with his colleagues, is to create a culture of compassion and help prevent tragedies like the Virginia Tech shootings by practicing these life lessons daily. They believe that one person can make a difference in how they live and in the lives of others every day.

          While clearly a worthwhile and admirable initiative, the challenge was how to incorporate it within their introductory psychology courses. Some options were self-publishing and online access, but none allowed consistent and complete access for the students or the professors.

          Another college publisher made frequent promises to publish his works, but nothing ever developed. Frustrated, Scott turned to Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions and Jeremy Worley and Brett Sullivan. The team quickly realized a viable solution was to include his works, along with other course-specific original material, with content published by Worth Publishers of Macmillan Learning. Together, they selected appropriate subject matter from both Psychology, 12e, and Exploring Psychology, 11e, by Myers and DeWall.

          Now in its second custom edition, Psychology: The Science of Human Experience remains the core text for introductory courses at Virginia Tech. The text’s evolution is an excellent example of utilizing a unique and extremely promising local movement within the context of the appropriate discipline. By working together with Scott Geller, Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions can introduce the concepts to others and continue to promote this groundbreaking initiative.

          To access Scott Geller’s materials for review and consideration in other custom situations, please refer to the Hayden-McNeil Content Collection.

        • University of Central Florida

          Functionally Oriented Regional Anatomy, Fourth Edition

          An introductory undergraduate book that medical school students still reference.

          In 2011, Dr. Mohtashem Samsam decided to write his own human anatomy book. His decision wasn’t based on the quality of existing books, but rather his deep love for teaching. And to create a resource his students would really use. Years later and now in its fourth edition, his text has had and continues to have an incredibly positive and lasting impact. One far beyond even he thought possible.

          While he wrote the text for an introductory course, he unbelievably will hear from former students who are now in medical school. Many have said they have a far better understanding of human anatomy than their fellow students because of his writing and the superior quality of the visuals. In fact, some students go as far as to say that his book presents human anatomy better than their medical textbooks!

          With his open-door policy, enthusiastic personality, and deep love for his profession, Dr. Samsam certainly had the background and commitment to writing a text. However, that does not always mean the text will be successful. Thanks to his amazing contributions and the incredible art program from Hayden-McNeil/Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions, his text will surely continue to help both undergraduates and, indeed, medical students in the years to come.

        • University of North Carolina, Greensboro

          Microbiology 280 Lab Manual with Custom Videos

          How Professor Robin Maxwell transformed her microbiology lab course with custom videos

          Professor Robin Maxwell has been teaching microbiology labs for over 39 years. She wrote her own lab manual many years ago, but recognized that student preparation was lacking for the lab sessions. She needed something to help address that issue. Professor Maxwell found that many of today’s students lack critical reading skills and are visual and audio learners. She also recognized the need to address some particular challenges required for microbiology procedures such as sequencing of essential steps, correct angle of wrists/elbows/fingers and the need to use fingers independently of one another. She also identified inherent risks in the microbiology lab that include working with live bacteria, open flames, sharp instruments and hazardous chemicals.

          Professor Maxwell was pleased with her custom lab manual because it included unique lab experiments not found on other campuses. Another benefit was that the manual included pictures of UNC, Greensboro equipment. When she was ready to take her custom lab curriculum to the next level she turned to her publisher, Hayden-McNeil Lab Solutions, to supplement her custom lab manual curriculum with pre-lab videos. The Hayden-McNeil Digital Media Producer filmed the custom lab preparation videos right within the UNC, Greensboro laboratory. The lab preparation videos allowed students to watch procedures repeatedly before they ever attempted them in the lab. They were able to zoom in to view close-ups of techniques that would not be visible in a regular lab demonstration on campus. The video voice-over helped them understand more about each technique demonstrated.

          Professor Maxwell assigned the viewing of videos as required homework within the course. She also included quizzes that were based on the video content. This ensured that students viewed them in advance of attending lab.

          Some of the expected outcomes include shortened pre-lab presentations about procedures. Students were better prepared and had far fewer questions. There were also fewer mistakes and, therefore, fewer breakages, spillage and the need for replacement materials.

          Some of the unexpected outcomes included increased student confidence during procedures. Students were ready to dive right in and were able to help one another by referencing instructions they remembered from the videos. There was an increase in student pride and ownership where they were no longer students in a microbiology lab but rather microbiologists with more questions about concepts and connections and fewer questions about techniques.

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