What is SIM?
The Structured Immediate Method (SIM) is an innovative, hands-on approach to teaching finance, accounting, and other process-based disciplines. Created by Professor Drew Blazsik, SIM is designed to help students move from guided learning to independent mastery through a structured, feedback-rich environment. It is currently used in college courses, homeschool settings, grade school math lessons, and corporate training programs.
Why SIM Works
SIM shifts the focus from memorizing numbers to understanding processes. By enforcing numeric precision and rewarding procedural accuracy, SIM helps students truly learn the steps behind complex tasks like building financial statements, solving math problems, or forecasting performance. It also deters reliance on AI shortcuts by requiring exact input and full comprehension of processes.
Core Elements of SIM
Immediate Response Cells (IRC): These "light-up" cells provide instant feedback when students enter the correct value, reinforcing accurate inputs in real time.
Detailed Grading System (DGS): Grades are automatically calculated based on correct entries, with breakdowns by section and support for procedural credit.
SIM Practice Reset: A custom VBA reset button allows students to clear unprotected cells to practice as many times as needed.
Process-Specific Modules: Students can focus on one schedule or section (like a revenue or tax module) before integrating it into a larger financial model.
Variable Sentence Structure (VSS): For word problems and case-based learning, this system dynamically changes inputs while maintaining grading accuracy.
The 4-Step SIM Method
Guided Demonstration: Students follow along as the instructor walks through the material.
Feedback Practice: Using IRCs, students receive real-time validation without help notes.
Graded Summary: Students complete assignments and receive a detailed breakdown of their performance.
Final Practice: Students complete similar tasks with no feedback until the end—mirroring real-world testing.
Who is SIM For?
SIM is used by:
College and graduate students in finance, accounting, and economics
High school students exploring the foundations of economics, finance, and math
Grade school students learning math in a structured, feedback-rich environment
Employers training new hires in complex systems
Educators looking for a replacement or complement to traditional learning systems
Educational Value
SIM blends efficiency, accuracy, and engagement:
Students learn by doing—with guided steps, instant feedback, and self-assessment tools.
Educators save time with built-in grading and modular assignments.
Employers can trust that new hires are trained precisely for real-world tasks.
Whether you're building your first income statement or teaching fractions to grade schoolers, SIM provides the structure, precision, and clarity needed for lasting success.
Learn more at Logos & Markets or explore our YouTube channel to see SIM in action.