Pillar 3: High-Impact Practices and Instructional Strategies
Built for Classroom Innovation and Active Student Engagement.
High-Impact Practices (HIPs) are evidence-based teaching and learning strategies to maximize student engagement, persistence, and deep-learning. Pillar 3 provides an introduction and exploration of HIPs. Through interactive workshops and micro-courses, faculty can explore which HIPs align with Butler’s curricular and co-curricular programming to prepare future-engaged learners.
Upcoming Events
September 2026
Learn practical strategies for converting classroom tension into productive learning discussions. By explicitly identifying different types of intellectual and interpersonal tension, you can establish a healthy climate for civil discourse and constructive debate. Includes 60 minutes of guided instruction and 30 minutes of individual planning time.
Registration & Canvas: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP and gain access to the series Canvas page. Attendance for the full series is preferred, but drop-ins for individual sessions are welcome.
Date, Time, & Location: Monday, September 21, 3:00–4:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
High-impact practices play a key role in building a stronger learning environment while helping you manage your overall instructional workload. This workshop highlights research-based techniques proven to support all students, with a focus on helping underrepresented student populations succeed. Faculty will walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies to try in their own classrooms.
Registration & Lunch: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP. Meal vouchers provided; space is limited. Email to receive a listening link if unable to attend in person.
Date, Time, & Location: Thursday, September 24, Lunch 12:00–12:30 PM, Presentation 12:30–1:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
October 2026
Dive into foundational learning theory to structure assignments that challenge students without overwhelming them. This workshop focuses on scaffolding techniques using Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development to keep students actively engaged and motivated. Features 60 minutes of interactive content and 30 minutes of hands-on application time.
Registration & Canvas: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP and gain access to the series Canvas page. Attendance for the full series is preferred, but drop-ins for individual sessions are welcome.
Date, Time, & Location: Thursday, October 1, 3:00–4:30 PM, Jordan Hall 238
Educators spend a huge amount of time grading assignments, writing lesson plans, and keeping up with endless emails. Artificial intelligence can take on some of that heavy lifting by streamlining administrative tasks and simplifying processes. Beyond saving time, AI assistants can also help quickly generate real-world scenarios and debate topics for your students. This workshop covers practical ways to use AI to lighten your daily workload and enhance your teaching.
Registration & Lunch: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP. Meal vouchers provided; space is limited. Email to receive a listening link if unable to attend in person
Date, Time, & Location: Tuesday, October 20, Lunch 12:00–12:30 PM, Presentation 12:30–1:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
Move beyond crickets in the classroom. This session offers evidence-based active learning techniques designed to encourage broad participation, equitable dialogue, and lively discussion across all student demographics. Session structure: 60 minutes of guided instruction followed by 30 minutes of 1-on-1 planning.
Registration & Canvas: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP and gain access to the series Canvas page. Attendance for the full series is preferred, but drop-ins for individual sessions are welcome.
Date, Time, & Location: Monday, October 26, 3:00–4:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
November 2026
Address the challenge of student reading compliance and comprehension. Discover practical prompt structures and social reading strategies that motivate students to complete assigned readings and arrive prepared for deep critical analysis. Includes 60 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of individual syllabus/assignment work.
Registration & Canvas: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP and gain access to the series Canvas page. Attendance for the full series is preferred, but drop-ins for individual sessions are welcome.
Date, Time, & Location: Monday, October 26, 3:00–4:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
Working effectively with others is a vital life skill, and group projects give students a safe space to practice navigating team dynamics and accountability. Collaborative assignments help students connect course content directly to real-world soft skills and practical problem-solving. For instructors, group work can also streamline grading and feedback, as there are fewer individual projects to evaluate. This workshop explores how to set up group projects that benefit both you and your students.
Registration & Lunch: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP. Meal vouchers provided; space is limited. Email to receive a listening link if unable to attend in person.
Date, Time, & Location: Wednesday, November 11, Lunch 12:00–12:30 PM, Presentation 12:30–1:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
Shift your assessment paradigm from evaluative “judging” to growth-oriented “coaching.” Learn feedback strategies that reduce grading fatigue while fostering student resilience, self-assessment, and continuous improvement throughout the term. Session format: 60 minutes of presentation + 30 minutes of personal assignment redesign.
Registration & Canvas: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP and gain access to the series Canvas page. Attendance for the full series is preferred, but drop-ins for individual sessions are welcome.
Date, Time, & Location: Monday, November 16, 3:00–4:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
December 2026
Learn how to design scaffolded assessment sequences where low-stakes formative tasks directly feed into high-stakes summative projects. This approach minimizes end-of-semester stress for both instructors and students. Features 60 minutes of guided curriculum mapping + 30 minutes of individual workspace time.
Registration & Canvas: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP and gain access to the series Canvas page. Attendance for the full series is preferred, but drop-ins for individual sessions are welcome.
Date, Time, & Location: Thursday, December 3, 3:00–4:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
January 2027
Many students come to class with worldviews limited to their immediate surroundings and social media feeds. Intentionally diversifying your curriculum helps prepare them for a broader world by exposing them to different cultures, customs, and perspectives. Simple choices, such as incorporating readings from underrepresented authors or facilitating civil discourse on tough topics, can be truly transformative for learners. This workshop offers straightforward ways to broaden your course content and foster a more inclusive classroom.
Registration & Lunch: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP. Meal vouchers provided; space is limited. Email to receive a listening link if unable to attend in person.
Date, Time, & Location: Tuesday, January 26, Lunch 12:00–12:30 PM, Presentation 12:30–1:30 PM, Atherton Union 326
March 2027
Teaching requires a massive investment of time and energy, making personal well-being an essential part of your professional success. Taking time for yourself to step away from your desk is a high-impact practice in its own right. This gathering offers a dedicated, low-pressure space to disconnect from daily tasks and simply connect with colleagues. Join us to unwind, recharge, and enjoy being in community with your peers.
Registration & Lunch: Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to RSVP. Meal vouchers provided; space is limited. Email to receive a listening link if unable to attend in person.
Date, Time, & Location: Wednesday, March 31, Lunch 12:00–12:30 PM, Presentation 12:30–1:30 PM, Atherton Union 326