High Impact Practices (HIPs) are instructional methods that improve outcomes for student success. The most common HIPs at Texas A&M University- Central Texas include writing instructive (WI) courses, service learning, undergraduate research, capstone courses, internships, and global learning/ study abroad.
To learn more, hover over the red tab labeled "High Impact Practices" to see drop-down subpages for these HIPs or click on the links in each section below.
What is a Writing Instructive (WI) Course?
A WI course "emphasizes writing at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum" (AAC&U, 2023) . Students will draft, edit, and revise works in varied classes across their degree program.
Want to know more? See details at: https://tamuct.libguides.com/HIP/Writing
StockSnap. 2015. Woman writing outside. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/photos/writing-writer-notes-pen-notebook-923882/
What is a Capstone Course?
Capstones are "culminating experiences" where junior or senior students complete a project or product, such as research assignments, portfolios, or performances, to "integrat[e] and appl[y] what they’ve learned" (AAC&U, 2023).
Want to know more? See details at: https://tamuct.libguides.com/HIP/Capstone
Anestiev. 2017. Acropolis. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/photos/acropolis-athens-greece-ancient-2725918/
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning is "field-based 'experiential learning' with community partners" (AAC&U, 2023). Students can apply skills learned in the classroom and problem solve practical issues faced by others in the community.
Want to know more? See details at: https://tamuct.libguides.com/HIP/Service
truthseeker08. 2016. Volunteer hands raised. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/vectors/volunteer-poster-illustrator-design-1888823/
What is an Internship?
Internships can "provide students with direct experience in a work setting" to explore careers in their disciplinary area and offer "supervision and coaching from professionals in the field" (AAC&U, 2023).
Want to know more? See details at: https://tamuct.libguides.com/HIP/Internship
geralt. 2017. Business people communicating. https://pixabay.com/illustrations/feedback-report-back-business-people-2990424/
What is Undergraduate Research?
Undergraduate Research allows students to be "actively involv[ed] in systematic investigation[s]" by choosing topics and formulating questions in all subject areas that "connect [to] key concepts" (AAC&U, 2023).
Want to know more? See details at: https://tamuct.libguides.com/HIP/Research
StockSnap. 2017. Man doing research with laptop. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/photos/man-writing-laptop-computer-write-2562325/
What is Global Learning (Study Abroad)?
Global learning, including study abroad, helps students to "explore cultures, life experiences, and worldviews different from their own", which can build understanding about the human experience and our world. (AAC&U, 2023).
Want to know more? See details at: https://tamuct.libguides.com/HIP/Global
geralt. 2017. Photo exhibition. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/photos/exhibition-visitors-gallery-viewer-2944064/
American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U). 2023. High impact practices. Retrieved from https://www.aacu.org/trending-topics/high-impact
Linder, K. E., & Mattison Hayes, C. 2018. High-impact practices in online education: Research and best practices. Stylus Publishing.
Zilvinskis, J., Kinzie, J., Daday, J., O’Donnell, K., & Vande Zande, C. 2022. Delivering on the promise of high-impact practices: Research and models for achieving equity, fidelity, impact, and scale. Stylus Publishing.