Journal Article

Predicting key educational outcomes in academic trajectories

Musso, Mariel F., Cascallar, Eduardo C., Hernández, Carlos Felipe Rodríguez

2020

Overview

Predicting and understanding different key outcomes in a student’s academic trajectory such as grade point average, academic retention, and degree completion would allow targeted intervention programs in higher education. Most of the predictive models developed for those key outcomes have been based on traditional methodological approaches. However, these models assume linear relationships between variables and do not always yield accurate predictive classifications. On the other hand, the use of machine-learning approaches such as artificial neural networks has been very effective in the classification of various educational outcomes, overcoming the limitations of traditional methodological approaches. In this study, multilayer perceptron artificial neural network models, with a backpropagation algorithm, were developed to classify levels of grade point average, academic retention, and degree completion outcomes in a sample of 655 students from a private university. Findings showed a high level of accuracy for all the classifications. Among the predictors, learning strategies had the greatest contribution for the prediction of grade point average. Coping strategies were the best predictors for degree completion, and background information had the largest predictive weight for the identification of students who will drop out or not from the university programs.

• Publisher: Springer Science + Business Media,Springer Netherlands,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Academic achievement / Accuracy / Algorithms / Analysis / Artificial Intelligence / Averages / Classification / Cognitive style / College Students / Coping / Coping strategies / Dropout Characteristics / Education / Educational programs / Grade Point Average / Graduation / Higher Education / Intervention / Learning / Learning outcomes / Learning Strategies / Machine learning / Methodological approaches / Neural networks / Outcomes of Education / Prediction / Prediction models / Predictions / Predictor Variables / Private Colleges / School Holding Power