Abstract
Recent research in academic analytics has focused on predicting student performance within, and sometimes across courses for the purpose of informing early interventions. While such an endeavor has obvious merit, modern contructivist learning theory expresses an importance on more individualized support for students. In keeping with this theory, this research describes the development of a model that predicts student performance within a course, relative to their past academic performance. This study is done using the minimum sources of data possible while still developing an accurate model. Useful logistic models using data from the institution’s student information system, learning management system, and grade books some useful findings are developed. While each source of data was able to predict student success independently, the most accurate model contained data from both the grade book and student information system. These models were able to accurately identify students on track to underperform relative to their own cumulative grade point averages within the first seven weeks of a course, aligning with the studied institution’s existing requirements for a manual early intervention system.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Academic achievement--Research; College students--Attitudes; Engineering--Study and teaching (Higher)
Publication Date
8-9-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Student Type
Graduate
Degree Name
Industrial and Systems Engineering (MS)
Department, Program, or Center
Industrial and Systems Engineering (KGCOE)
Advisor
Rachel Silvestrini
Advisor/Committee Member
Scott Grasman
Recommended Citation
Darlington, William J., "Predicting underperformance from students in upper level engineering courses" (2017). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
https://repository.rit.edu/theses/9549
Campus
RIT – Main Campus
Plan Codes
ISEE-MS
