Higher education has been using high impact practices for almost two decades. They include practices that work for many students, especially students who are historically underrepresented. HIPs encourage first-year students to engage in deeper learning approaches that increase retention, integration and transfer of information (Kuh 2008). These varied practices can take on many forms based on student body characteristics and the priorities and strategic initiatives of the university (Kezar & Holcombe, 2017). HIPs can be embedded throughout course work to support student learning and engagement by enhancing existing instructional practices; however, universities must continually and strategically analyze their use of these practices to ensure that ‘impact’ stays at the forefront.
Ten ‘high impact’ practices have been identified by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). To have the biggest impact on student outcomes, universities must continually define, refine and scale how and what HIPs are used. Implementation science is a tool that can help refine processes, procedures and/or conditions.
