A Quasi-Experimental Multilevel Study Examining High-Impact Practices and Deep Approaches to Learning

Abstract

High-impact practice research often focuses on improving student persistence and academic achievement with less of an emphasis on the development of student learning processes. Further, many studies historically center majority populations in research due to sample size restrictions or methodological procedures. This study uses national survey data to examine over 347,000 seniors’ experiences at more than 1,100 four-year colleges and universities with high-impact practices and students’ reported learning processes. A hierarchical linear model with propensity scores and effect codes show the relationship between six high impact practices and students’ learning processes while de-centering motivating factors and majority populations. Findings indicate both service-learning and learning communities promoted the outcomes under investigation with mixed results among the others. Differences emerged by race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability status. We broadly discuss implications for higher education and future research.