Benefits of High-Impact Practices (HIPs) in Teaching & Learning
These benefits are reflected in several key areas:
- Increased academic achievement and student satisfaction
- Growth in student engagement and stronger teacher-student interaction
- Boost in critical thinking and communication skills
- Increased transferability and application of knowledge in real-world contexts
- Greater appreciation for diversity and reduced stereotyping
- Deeper learning and personal development
While all students benefit from embedding HIPs in their educational experience, these practices are particularly beneficial for underserved students (Finley & McNair, 2013; Kuh, 2008). Studies indicate that persistence rates increased among students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who participated in multiple courses utilizing HIPs. It was also seen that learning outcome disparities between students from underserved backgrounds and their non-first-generation peers were minimized (Finley & McNair, 2013 as cited in High-Impact Practices: Enhancing the Student Experience, n.d.).
References
Brownell, J. E., & Swaner, L. E. (2010). Five high-impact practices: Research on learning outcomes, completion, and quality. Association of American Colleges & Universities.
Finley, A., & McNair, T. (2013). Assessing underserved students’ engagement in high-impact practices [Report]. Association of American Colleges & Universities.
Kuh, G. D. (2008). High-impact educational practices: What they are, who has access to them, and why they matter. Association of American Colleges and Universities.