Case Study: Western Carolina University Reenergizes History Courses with Packback

Western Carolina University boosts writing grades from C+ to A− with Packback

Western Carolina University history professor Greg McLamb was facing a challenge with low student engagement and poor feedback in his large courses. Online discussions felt like busywork, students were not prepared for class, and delayed feedback was negatively impacting course evaluations. He was on the verge of a complete course overhaul until trying the Packback platform.

By implementing Packback Questions and Deep Dives, Packback provided a solution that reinvigorated classroom conversations without increasing the grading workload. The results were a complete transformation: post lengths doubled or tripled, writing assignment grades rose from a C+ to an A- average, and course evaluations improved significantly. 63% of students reported improved critical thinking, and the professor now uses Packback to shape a more student-centered classroom.

Western Carolina University