Frameworks Supporting Student Success

In this part of the guide, we provide a brief overview of key teaching and learning frameworks that inform the strategies explored throughout. While some practical applications are highlighted here, readers are encouraged to explore later sections for detailed guidance. These frameworks, grounded in research across disciplines, emphasize effective, learner-centered instruction and help create environments where all students can participate fully and thrive.

• High-Impact Teaching Practices (HITPs) are well-documented strategies that enhance student engagement, persistence, and success in higher education. In addition to supporting academic achievement, these practices encourage the development of lifelong learning skills and a strong sense of connection. Five key HITPs that instructors can integrate into their teaching include:
  • Helping Students Become Meta-Learners – Supporting students in developing self-awareness and self-regulation in their learning.
  • Learning-Centered Course Design – Structuring courses with clear objectives, active learning strategies, and meaningful assessment.
  • Using Small Groups in a Powerful Way – Enhancing collaboration, problem-solving, and peer learning through intentional group work.
  • Community Engaged Learning with Reflection – Connecting coursework to real-world experiences while fostering critical reflection.
  • Being a Leader with Students – Cultivating a classroom environment where the instructor models engagement, curiosity, and mentorship.
• Transparency in Teaching and Learning (TILT) makes course design explicit by clarifying the purpose, tasks, and criteria of assignments. This approach promotes clarity by making the structure and expectations of coursework visible to students. By communicating the purpose, tasks, and criteria of learning activities, instructors reduce ambiguity and better support all students in understanding how to succeed. Strategies include the Purpose-Task-Criteria (PTC) framework, explaining activity rationale, using guides and checklists, incorporating reflection prompts, and making real-world connections.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing instruction that anticipates and embraces variability in how students engage, access content, and demonstrate understanding. By building flexibility into course materials and activities from the outset, instructors can minimize barriers and support meaningful learning across modalities.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) are freely available, adaptable educational materials that help reduce financial and access barriers. Open Pedagogy builds on this foundation by engaging students as co-creators of knowledge. This approach fosters collaboration, creativity, and a deeper sense of purpose in learning. Examples include students creating or curating resources, collaborative authorship of wikis or guides, and authentic assignments with public or peer audiences.