Abstract:

High-impact practices (HIPs) are implemented as first-year seminars, diversity learning, service-learning, practicums, and internships. HIPs are shown to have various learning outcomes for the students. The study compares the learning outcomes of 1,500 students that are enrolled in different psychology courses that use HIPs. The learning outcomes that the study compares includes an ethnocultural feeling, an ethnocultural perspective, interpersonal skills, desire for social justice and awareness, leadership, white privilege awareness, and awareness of discrimination. There is a significant difference between those who participate in service learning and those who participate in a practicum or internship. Those who participate in a practicum or internship have a greater ethnocultural feeling, and an increased ethnocultural perspective. Those who participate in the HIP of service learning develop greater interpersonal skills, have a larger desire for social justice and a greater awareness of social justice, develop better leadership skills, are more aware of white privilege, and are more aware of discrimination. Since HIPs are used in different courses, some being freshman year, and some being sophomore, junior, and/or senior year, this study also looks into the different learning outcomes upperclassmen have after participating in a HIP compared to the different learning outcomes underclassmen have after participating in a HIP. Freshman and Sophomores are classified as underclassmen. Juniors and Seniors are classified as upperclassmen.

Keywords:

High-Impact Practices, Psychology, Justice, Leadership, Underclassmen, Upperclassmen, Practicum, Internship, Service Learning, Diversity Learning, Seminars.