Cengage Learning Engages Students with the 2012 Presidential Election through Aplia's Analyzing Elections Modules

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With 2012 being a presidential election year, government classes will get a boost as professors and students track the campaign. Helping to further put the electoral process in context, Cengage Learning, a leading educational content, software and services company, announced today that Analyzing Elections modules will now be offered through Aplia, a powerful course management and student engagement solution. The modules, infused with current information on candidates and multimedia, help students explore the hows and whys of presidential elections and connect course concepts with events surrounding the national election.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070724/NYTU125) )

Covering seven key areas – Campaign, Public Opinion, Media, Voting, Political Parties, Presidential Elections, and Election 2012 – the modules add currency, context and critical thinking to American government courses. Graded narratives give context to day-to-day happenings in the presidential campaign, helping students draw informed conclusions and promoting critical thinking skills. Schools have been quick to catch on; California State University Northridge, Midland College, and Grand Valley State University are among the schools that will incorporate the new feature in government classes this fall.

"From conversations with instructors, we identified a need for teaching materials that captured the moment-in-time opportunity to teach students about the electoral process in a presidential year," said Manuel Guzman, Executive Vice President, Learning & Research Solutions and International, Cengage Learning. "Aplia's Analyzing Elections modules are the first of their kind in the industry and we're pleased that we can play a part in educating future generations about the democratic process."

Aplia is an online learning solution developed by instructors to increase student learning and engagement and save instructors time grading. Available in over 21 different course areas including Economics, Political Science and English, Aplia has gained popularity for its ability to increase student preparedness and drive better learning outcomes in the classroom. A recent survey* showed that 88 percent of instructors using Aplia said it had a positive effect on student performance. Furthermore, 89 percent of instructors agreed that it helped them teach better.

"I think it is wonderful that the Aplia system will be incorporating election materials," said Aaron Ley, professor of political science at the University of North Dakota. "This is a surefire way to stay up-to-date with the election while at the same time not having to print out a book every year to keep up with the elections."

For more information on Aplia's Analyzing Elections module and demo, please visit: http://www.aplia.com/politicalscience/analyzing_elections.jsp.

*Study of effectiveness survey conducted by ForeSee on behalf of Cengage Learning

About Cengage Learning

Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. The company's products and services are designed to foster academic excellence and professional development, increase student engagement, improve learning outcomes and deliver authoritative information to people whenever and wherever they need it. Through the company's unique position within both the library and academic markets, Cengage Learning is providing integrated learning solutions that bridge from the library to the classroom. Cengage Learning's brands include Brooks/Cole, Course Technology, Delmar, Gale, Heinle, National Geographic Learning, South-Western and Wadsworth, among others. Cengage Learning is headquartered in Stamford, CT. For more information on Cengage Learning please visit www.cengage.com.

SOURCE Cengage Learning