High-quality education relies not only on curriculum design but also on teaching practices that truly make an impact. High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) are evidence-based instructional methods proven to enhance student learning outcomes, boost confidence, and foster deeper engagement. These strategies give teachers a practical framework for delivering lessons that are purposeful, structured, and responsive to diverse student needs.
In modern classrooms, teachers face the challenge of balancing content delivery, student engagement, and differentiation. This is where High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) play a pivotal role. From setting clear goals to implementing metacognitive practices, these strategies ensure that students are not only absorbing knowledge but also developing the skills to think critically and independently.
Understanding High Impact Teaching Strategies
High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) are teaching practices grounded in research, designed to maximize learning gains across different subject areas and grade levels. Unlike generic teaching tips, these strategies are evidence-driven and consistently linked to improved student outcomes.
The 10 key strategies identified include:
- Setting Goals
- Structuring Lessons
- Explicit Teaching
- Worked Examples
- Collaborative Learning
- Multiple Exposures
- Questioning
- Feedback
- Metacognitive Strategies
- Differentiated Teaching
Each of these can be applied across classrooms, tailored to specific subjects, and adjusted for different learning needs.
Strategy 1: Setting Goals
What It Is
- Communicating clear learning intentions and defining success criteria.
Why It Matters
- Provides direction and motivation.
- Builds confidence as students know exactly what is expected.
Example
A math teacher begins the lesson by stating: “Today, our goal is to solve linear equations, and by the end, you should be able to solve three-step equations independently.”
Strategy 2: Structuring Lessons
What It Is
- Organizing lessons in a logical sequence.
- Incorporating scaffolding and review opportunities.
Why It Matters
- Creates predictability and clarity.
- Keeps students engaged with a step-by-step approach.
Practical Model: “I Do, We Do, You Do”
- I Do: Teacher demonstrates.
- We Do: Teacher and students practice together.
- You Do: Students attempt independently.
Strategy 3: Explicit Teaching
What It Is
- Directly explaining and modeling new concepts.
- Breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps.
Why It Matters
- Reduces student confusion.
- Encourages independent practice with confidence.
Example
In a science class, the teacher demonstrates how to write a lab report by walking through each section before students attempt their own.
Strategy 4: Worked Examples
What It Is
- Providing step-by-step demonstrations of problem-solving.
Why It Matters
- Reduces cognitive load.
- Helps students understand the process, not just the outcome.
Example
An English teacher shows a model essay paragraph highlighting topic sentence, evidence, and analysis. Students then replicate the structure.
Strategy 5: Collaborative Learning
What It Is
- Students work together to solve problems or complete tasks.
Why It Matters
- Promotes peer-to-peer learning.
- Builds teamwork and communication skills.
Example
Small groups in history class analyze different primary sources and present their findings.
Strategy 6: Multiple Exposures
What It Is
- Revisiting concepts across various contexts.
Why It Matters
- Reinforces retention and mastery.
- Gives students opportunities to apply knowledge in different ways.
Example
Vocabulary words introduced in reading are later used in writing tasks and class discussions.
Strategy 7: Questioning
What It Is
- Using open-ended and strategic questions.
Why It Matters
- Encourages critical thinking.
- Checks for understanding.
Example Questions
- Why do you think this event happened?
- How does this equation relate to the real world?
- What would happen if we changed this variable?
Strategy 8: Feedback
What It Is
- Delivering specific, timely, and actionable advice.
Why It Matters
- Helps students track progress.
- Provides clear next steps for improvement.
Example
Instead of saying “Good job,” a teacher comments: “Your thesis is clear, but try adding more evidence to support your argument.”
Strategy 9: Metacognitive Strategies
What It Is
- Teaching students to think about their own thinking.
- Encouraging reflection, self-assessment, and planning.
Why It Matters
- Builds self-aware learners.
- Helps students become independent problem solvers.
Example
Students use learning journals to reflect on what worked for them during a study session and what needs improvement.
Strategy 10: Differentiated Teaching
What It Is
- Adapting instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Why It Matters
- Ensures inclusivity and equity.
- Maximizes every student’s potential.
Example
A teacher assigns tiered math problems: basic, intermediate, and advanced, allowing students to work at their level.
Comparative Overview Of HITS
| Strategy | Key Feature | Example in Practice | Benefit to Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting Goals | Define learning intentions | “Today we’ll solve linear equations.” | Provides focus and motivation |
| Structuring Lessons | Logical sequence with scaffolding | I Do, We Do, You Do model | Builds clarity and engagement |
| Explicit Teaching | Clear explanations and modeling | Teacher demonstrates writing a thesis | Reduces confusion |
| Worked Examples | Step-by-step models | Sample essay paragraph | Reduces cognitive load |
| Collaborative Learning | Peer teamwork | Group discussions on historical events | Enhances communication skills |
| Multiple Exposures | Repetition in different contexts | Vocabulary used in reading and writing tasks | Reinforces retention |
| Questioning | Critical thinking prompts | “Why do you think this happens?” | Deepens understanding |
| Feedback | Timely, specific, actionable | Targeted essay feedback | Guides improvement |
| Metacognitive Strategies | Reflection and self-regulation | Learning journals | Builds independence |
| Differentiated Teaching | Tailored instruction | Tiered assignments | Supports diverse learners |
How To Integrate HITS Effectively
To implement High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) effectively, teachers should:
- Plan intentionally: Choose strategies aligned with lesson objectives.
- Blend strategies: Combine multiple methods, such as explicit teaching with feedback and questioning.
- Adapt to context: Consider subject matter, grade level, and student needs.
- Reflect and refine: Use feedback from students to improve teaching practices.
Conclusion
In today’s classrooms, effective teaching goes beyond delivering information; it requires evidence-based methods that inspire, engage, and support all learners. High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) provide a powerful toolkit for teachers, encompassing goal-setting, structured lessons, explicit instruction, collaborative opportunities, and differentiated support. By integrating these practices, teachers can create an environment where students not only achieve academic success but also grow into independent, critical thinkers. Ultimately, the consistent use of High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) ensures that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
