Mathematical modelling for academic performance status reports in learning analytics
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Date
2018Author
Van der Merwe, A.
Kruger, H.A.
Du Toit, J.V.
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The fast changing nature of the educational environment and the subsequent increase
in the volumes of generated learner data, have found existing data analysis
techniques lacking in certain elds. These techniques form part of the analysis and
reporting phases of learning analytics and need to adapt to accommodate the changing
face of education. In this paper, a set of interrelated algorithmic solutions that utilise
mathematical programming models to generate and provide learning feedback in the
form of academic performance status reports, is presented. Three existing mathematical
models, more speci cally the benchMark program, an outputs{only data envelopment
analysis and a traditional analytic hierarchy process were evaluated for providing
the information required to assist students in improving their academic achievement.
The requirements include providing students with their current academic performance
status, setting interim improvement goals and calculating improvement targets towards
reaching those goals. The evaluated models did not address the requirements
satisfactorily. The solution proposed in this paper consists of an algorithm that implements
a linear programming model to generate performance status reports based on
the current assessment scores of a group of students in a module. The output is used
in a second algorithm that utilises the remaining improvement opportunities available
to generate a participation future time perspective. The resulting schedule together
with each individual student's current assessment scores, is used to calculate discrete
improvement goals for each student as well as targets towards reaching those goals.
A third algorithm provides a lecturer with some insight into the mastering of module
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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/30718http://dx.doi.org/10.5784/34-1-582
http://orion.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/582/472