School of Professional Studies Office of Distance Learning

This page is related to High Impact Practices

At a Glance

The School of Professional Studies’ High Impact Practices (HIPs) are based upon research and designed to elevate the quality of instruction across all SPS courses. They focus on active learning and inclusivity, which are not only essential for effective online teaching but also serve as the foundation for faculty development and course design at SPS. Remember, student learning thrives on active engagement and regular feedback, so prioritize fostering those interactions in your courses. By embracing these practices, you’ll be well on your way to creating a high-quality learning experience for the diverse student body at SPS. Let’s look at the main components of these High Impact Practices!

Instructor Presence

Communicate with your students early and often!

SPS students expect that their instructor is not only a leader in the industry but are also as excited about the course and its topic ss they are! Your consistent presence gives students confidence that you are guiding them through the course and monitoring their progress. Regular updates and interaction between you and your students indicate you’re updating the course to meet their learning needs.

So, how can you make your presence felt? It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just a name on a syllabus, but an active participant in their learning journey. Think of it as building a virtual bridge that connects you with your students, fostering a sense of community and support. This is where the following strategies come in, offering you various ways to establish and maintain a meaningful presence in your online classroom.

Synchronous Sessions are an invaluable part of the student learning journey. For more information about structuring engaging sync sessions, see the Synchronous Discussions Guide.

Inclusive Teaching

In online classes, it’s important to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong. Since most of the communication in your class may occur at different times, it’s even more important to build community. Get to know your students and help them get to know each other too.

Inclusive teaching means not only recognizing but also celebrating each student’s individuality. When you tap into your students’ unique backgrounds and experiences, you’re making the class more relevant and interesting for everyone.

Plus, it’s a great way to make sure everyone feels included and respected. And hey, don’t be afraid to bring in real-world examples! It helps your students see how what they’re learning can be applied to their lives.

For more information, read The Northwestern Principles of Inclusive Teaching developed jointly with various departments across the University.

Meaningful Feedback

As an instructor, your feedback is a crucial part of the learning process. It’s more than just evaluation; it’s an opportunity to guide your students toward deeper understanding and growth.

To make the most impact, make sure your feedback is timely. The sooner you provide it, the more engaged your students will remain, and the more they’ll trust your guidance. Keep it relevant to the task at hand and focus on what they did well and what they can improve. Remember, your goal is to help them learn and apply their knowledge, not just give them a grade.

When providing individual feedback, think of it as a conversation with each student. Engage with their ideas, offer specific suggestions for improvement, and help them see how their work connects to bigger concepts. Your feedback should be a steppingstone to further learning, not just a final verdict on their performance.

Learn more about the importance of feedback for online students. Read this paper about Regular and Substantive Interaction written jointly by WCET, UPCEA, and OLC.

Real World Application

Don’t forget the power of real-world relevance. Connecting course content to practical applications not only reinforces inclusive teaching but also helps students see the value and applicability of what they’re learning. This approach can be particularly impactful for adult learners who bring a wealth of personal and professional experiences to the classroom.

Conclusion

There are a lot of moving parts to the SPS High Impact Practices. We know it is difficult to be an adjunct faculty. The SPS Distance Learning team is available to you. As you move forward, remember that you’re not alone on this journey. The DL team is here to support you, answer questions, and provide guidance. Remember, great teaching knows no distance!