High Impact Learning
At the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM), we are committed to high-impact learning practices that go beyond the classroom and reflect the very best in modern education. Our teaching strategies are designed to transform learning into action—helping students apply knowledge directly to their personal, professional, and community lives.
What Is High-Impact Learning?
Since our founding in 2011, CIAM has championed high-impact educational practices as the cornerstone of our mission. High-impact learning occurs when students are actively engaged in experiences that challenge them to think critically, collaborate with peers, and apply classroom lessons to real-world challenges.
Research shows that these practices lead to stronger academic performance, higher retention, and increased persistence toward graduation. More importantly, they inspire students to develop lifelong skills in problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership.
High-impact learning requires students to:
- Solve real problems with practical applications.
- Work collaboratively in diverse teams.
- Engage in reflective learning that deepens self-awareness.
- Receive meaningful, actionable feedback that fuels growth.
Proven High-Impact Practices
According to George Kuh (2008), the following experiences are widely recognized as high-impact, sharing six defining elements: commitment to learning, strong relationships, engagement across differences, constructive feedback, application of knowledge, and ongoing self-reflection. Together, they cultivate leaders who are not only career-ready but also lifelong learners.
Common Intellectual Experiences
Such as CIAM's core curriculum
Learning Communities
That foster collaboration
Writing-intensive courses
That build communication skills
Collaborative Assignments and Projects
That mirrors real-world professional environments.
Diversity and Global learning
Tackling complex cultural and societal challenges
Service and Community-Based Learning
That connects students to real needs
Internships
That prepare students for professional success
Capstone Projects
That integrate knowledge and skills into practical solutions
CIAM's High-Impact Teaching Strategies
Business Simulations
Our business simulations bring theory to life through immersive, technology-driven “business games” that challenge students to make complex management decisions in real time. Through simulations, students strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills while experiencing the pressure and dynamics of real-world business scenarios—all within a safe, guided learning environment. At CIAM, experiential learning meets innovation. Our simulations prepare you to lead with confidence, agility, and strategic vision
Student-Led Consulting Projects
At CIAM, students don’t just study management—they practice it. Our student-led consulting projects allow learners to work directly with real businesses, tackling real challenges. These experiences provide hands-on opportunities to analyze problems, propose solutions, and see the impact of their work beyond the classroom. In the real world, problems rarely look like textbook exercises. CIAM prepares you for that reality by blending academic rigor with applied knowledge.