scholarly journals Student performance is linked to connecting effectively with teachers

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-324
Author(s):  
Michael Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Study Phase ◽  
Communication Preferences ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Personality Pattern ◽  
Performance Teachers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine student performance on both criterion- and norm-referenced measures, linked with teacher and student communication orientations. Design/methodology/approach The study used a pre-post design. During the pre-study phase, teachers underwent three days of intensive training in the Process Education Model®. In total, 21 middle and high school teachers at an independent school were the subject group. Each teacher identified ten students, five of whom they classified as “easy to communicate with” and five others whom they classified as “difficult to communicate with.” Approximately, 200 students participated in the study. Teachers and students provided communication preferences via the Kahler Personality Pattern Inventory® (1996). Performance data were gleaned from student grade point averages (GPAs) and grade-appropriate versions of ACT instruments. Findings The PPI reveals, in part, perceptual preferences in an assessing matrix. Intrinsic and extrinsic orientations were one set of distinctions. Most (more than 85 percent) of the teachers had intrinsic orientations, compared with 63 percent of the “easy” students and 47 percent of the “difficult” students. Both GPA and ACT comparisons were significantly different (p<0.001) on both pre- and post-measures, with the easy students outstripping their difficult counterparts. No significant differences were observed on the ACT Aspire, taken by students in grades 6–9. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted at one site. Practical implications Student performance appears to be linked with connecting with teachers’ preferred delivery and communication styles. The more like their teachers the students are, the better their performance. Reinforcing new knowledge and skills was recognized as an important component of training. Originality/value If connecting better with students is tied with performance, teachers who learn how to shift their delivery methods may foster better outcomes. Also, attention should be paid on how distress may impact teacher performance, especially as they interact with students whose communication preferences may differ from theirs.

scholarly journals Modeling of student academic achievement in engineering education using cognitive and non-cognitive factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bothaina A. Al-Sheeb ◽  
A.M. Hamouda ◽  
Galal M. Abdella
Keyword(s):  
Student Success ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Comprehensive Approach ◽  
First Year ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Second Year

Purpose The retention and success of engineering undergraduates are increasing concern for higher-education institutions. The study of success determinants are initial steps in any remedial initiative targeted to enhance student success and prevent any immature withdrawals. This study provides a comprehensive approach toward the prediction of student academic performance through the lens of the knowledge, attitudes and behavioral skills (KAB) model. The purpose of this paper is to aim to improve the modeling accuracy of students’ performance by introducing two methodologies based on variable selection and dimensionality reduction. Design/methodology/approach The performance of the proposed methodologies was evaluated using a real data set of ten critical-to-success factors on both attitude and skill-related behaviors of 320 first-year students. The study used two models. In the first model, exploratory factor analysis is used. The second model uses regression model selection. Ridge regression is used as a second step in each model. The efficiency of each model is discussed in the Results section of this paper. Findings The two methods were powerful in providing small mean-squared errors and hence, in improving the prediction of student performance. The results show that the quality of both methods is sensitive to the size of the reduced model and to the magnitude of the penalization parameter. Research limitations/implications First, the survey could have been conducted in two parts; students needed more time than expected to complete it. Second, if the study is to be carried out for second-year students, grades of general engineering courses can be included in the model for better estimation of students’ grade point averages. Third, the study only applies to first-year and second-year students because factors covered are those that are essential for students’ survival through the first few years of study. Practical implications The study proposes that vulnerable students could be identified as early as possible in the academic year. These students could be encouraged to engage more in their learning process. Carrying out such measurement at the beginning of the college year can provide professional and college administration with valuable insight on students perception of their own skills and attitudes toward engineering. Originality/value This study employs the KAB model as a comprehensive approach to the study of success predictors. The implementation of two new methodologies to improve the prediction accuracy of student success.

An investigation of undergraduate-level academic performance mediators

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikash Rowtho
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating roles of absenteeism and continuous assessments on the overall academic performance at undergraduate level using structural equation modelling (SEM). Design/methodology/approach Pragmatic worldview with a mixed-method approach was used in this study. Data were collected using a variety of tools. Subsequent analyses used both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Interviews and documentary analyses were used to identify the dimensions of student disengagement while SEM was used to determine mediation among selected variables. Findings The results of this study showed that absence rates mediated the relationship between performance on continuous assessments and grade point average (GPA). Absence rates also mediated the relationship between personal circumstances and GPA and finally, course selection impacted on GPA with performance on continuous assessments as the mediator. H3 were not supported and the implications are discussed. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted in a single institution, was cross-sectional in nature and the variables used were contextualised. However, the tools used in this study can be adapted to identify the risk factors leading to poor student performance in other settings and to address them. Practical implications The outcomes of the current study can be useful to policymakers and practitioners in in addressing student performance-related issues. Social implications On a broader perspective, societal challenges associated with student dropouts resulting from poor academic performance can be minimised. Originality/value This study shows academic performance in a different perspective where mediators reveal the complex nature of the determinants of academic performance.

Teacher vs student responsibility for course outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-752
Author(s):  
Robert Williams ◽  
Monica Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Course Performance ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Responsibility ◽  
Student Effort ◽  
Instructor Behavior ◽  
Course Outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is primarily to identify factors that accounted for the differences in course evaluation and course performance in two sections of the same course taught by the same instructor. Potential contributors to these differences included critical thinking, grade point average (GPA) and homework time in the course. Secondarily, the authors also examined whether season of the year and academic status of students (1st year through 3rd year) might have contributed to differences in course ratings and exam performance. The data in the study included some strictly quantitative variables and some qualitative judgments subsequently converted to quantitative measures. Design/methodology/approach The outcome variables included student objective exam scores and course ratings on the University’s eight-item rating form. Variables that may have contributed to performance and course evaluation differences between the two groups included student effort in the course, GPA and critical thinking. Findings The higher-performing section obtained significantly higher scores on course exams than the lower-preforming group and also rated the course significantly higher (average of 4.15 across the evaluation items) than the lower performing section (3.64 average in item ratings). The two performance groups did not differ on critical thinking and GPA, but did differ significantly in hours spent per week outside of class in studying for the course. Originality/value Although many studies have examined the predictive validity of course ratings, instructors are typically held responsible for both high and low student ratings. This particular action study suggests that it may be student effort rather than instructor behavior that has the stronger impact on both student performance and course evaluations.

Do Teachers Want Democracy? Deliberative Culture and Teachers’ Evaluations of Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 1529-1552
Author(s):  
Jonathan E. Collins
Keyword(s):  
School Districts ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Political Behavior ◽  
Local Politics ◽  
School Satisfaction ◽  
School Level ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Public Sector Unions ◽  
Performance Teachers ◽  
Survey Analyses

Teachers have become important actors in national, state, and, especially, local politics. Most research on the political behavior of teachers focuses on their relationship with public-sector unions. While extremely useful, little is known about how teachers form the evaluations of schools and districts that motivate their political behavior. I propose and test a new theory of how teachers form evaluations of school satisfaction that centers on deliberative democracy. I argue that, in addition to student performance, teachers factor in how “deliberative” school districts are when expressing satisfaction. Using two separate survey analyses, this article finds that teachers of districts with a stronger deliberative culture are significantly more likely to feel satisfied with the schools in their districts. Moreover, in districts with a stronger deliberative culture, teachers and students are more likely to be included in decision-making at the school level. This latter relationship holds true even for teachers in districts with high levels of student poverty.

Empirical investigation of predictors of success in an MBA programme

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Gupta ◽  
Joseph Turek
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Predictors Of Success ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Admissions Criteria ◽  
Regression Techniques ◽  
Mba Graduates

Purpose – The twofold purpose of this study was to determine if selected variables were predictors of: student performance in the MBA programme; and student performance on the MBA MFT exam. Design/methodology/approach – This study focuses on MBA graduates at a US university who have successfully completed the entire programme requirements. Real student performance data, collected from 2007 to 2012, were analysed using multivariate regression techniques. Findings – Results suggest that academic performance in an MBA programme is positively related to undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and GMAT exam score, two of the most common admissions criteria in use today. Additionally, performance in an initial skills-building course exhibits a strong positive correlation with performance in subsequent MBA courses. With respect to performance on the Major Field Test (MFT-MBA), our results indicate that students who do well in the MBA programme tend to score at a higher level than those with lower overall GPAs. Research limitations/implications – The research study was limited to MBA graduates at a business school in central Virginia. Further studies can determine whether differences in predictors of success in the MBA programme from those found in this study might exist. Practical implications – Results of this study provide practical implication for MBA programme curriculum development and assist MBA admission committees in designing MBA programme admission criteria. Originality/value – An extensive literature exists about the variables that influence the performance on the MFT exam at the undergraduate level. This is the first study to explore these relationships at the graduate level.

Promoting active learning in introductory financial accounting through the flipped classroom design

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camillo Lento
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Classroom Design ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Active Learning Strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a classroom design for introductory financial accounting that promotes active learning through a flipped classroom approach. A course learning management system, white-board voice-over video applications, an online homework manager and online tutorials pre-packaged with the course textbook were all adopted to facilitate the flipped classroom. The in-class sessions were refocussed around active learning strategies, including case analysis, concept mapping, solving comprehensive problems, mini lectures with bookends, and small group discussions. Design/methodology/approach – A quasi-experimental design, combined with student surveys, are utilized. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test is used to assess the significance of any difference in student performance between a lecture-based course (control group, n=92) and the flipped classroom course (experimental group, n=97). Student performance is measured based on final exams and overall course grades. Findings – The results suggest that the flipped classroom improved student grade point averages, final exam performance, and pass rates. Both the stronger and weaker students benefited from the technologies and active learning strategies adopted in the flipped classroom. Originality/value – This is the first known study to investigate the efficacy of promoting active learning in introductory financial accounting through a flipped classroom design. This study is valuable for accounting educators, and educators in other similarly technical disciplines, who seek to combat the high failure rates that typically plague complex, technical introductory courses.

STEM undergraduate students: library use, perceptions and GPA

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Mi Scoulas
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stem Disciplines ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Groups ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Online Library

PurposeThis study aims to examine if differences exist in undergraduate students' library use, perceptions and grade point average (GPA) among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used data from the 2018 student survey. Among 2,277 students who completed the survey (response rate = 8%), only undergraduate students (n = 1,265) were selected for this study because the current study aims to examine the differences between STEM and non-STEM undergraduate students.FindingsThe findings from a Mann–Whitney U test revealed that STEM respondents perceived specific library resources (subject and course guide, library instructions and library workshops) as slightly less than non-STEM respondents. The results from ANOVA demonstrated that the mean scores in GPA for STEM respondents who never used online library, journals and databases were lower than respondents who used those library resources, regardless of STEM and non-STEM disciplines.Originality/valueRevisiting the data collected and analyzing specific user groups will be valuable to academic libraries because this study will provide academic librarians with a deeper understanding of specific user needs and perceptions of library resources and services.

Challenges and complexities of developing mentors’ practice: insights from new mentors

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Gardiner ◽  
Nina Weisling
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
First Year ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Sense Of Efficacy ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Axial Coding ◽  
Complex Relationships

Purpose Induction mentoring for early career teachers is a complex practice, requiring knowledge and skills distinct from teaching. However, more is known anecdotally than empirically about the challenges new mentors face and the type of support they need as they transition from teacher to induction mentor. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study investigated how nine first-year mentors developed, conceptualized and enacted their mentoring practice by asking, what supports/inhibits new mentors’ professional learning and practice? Are there patterns of struggle/challenge that new mentors face? Primary data sources included three 45–60-minute structured, individual interviews across each mentor’s first year. Data analysis was inductive, involving open and axial coding. Findings Mentors struggled to navigate multiple complex relationships with administrators, teachers and students. The quality of these relationships impacted their sense of efficacy and mentoring ability. Despite receiving what mentors perceived as effective professional development (PD), all mentors found it difficult to apply knowledge in practice. Mentors also experienced a steep and varied learning curve and identified supports that enhanced their knowledge and situated application of new teacher-centered mentoring. Originality/value Despite increases in mentoring programs, there is a lack of research addressing new mentors’ needs and development. This study makes a contribution by identifying new mentors’ needs and challenges and by providing recommendations for situated, responsive, and ongoing PD.

Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up interactive bi-lingual resources to support the delivery of sex and relationships education for students aged 5 to 12 years

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Initial Evaluation ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teachers And Students

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of new interactive, bi-lingual Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) resources called Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up, suitable for students aged between five and 12 years. It also discusses the evidence used to support the development of the resources, the support provided for teachers and parents and an initial evaluation following their use. Design/methodology/approach – Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up are interactive bi-lingual (Welsh and English) SRE teaching resources for primary schools suitable for students aged five to 12 years. These resources comprise of two components, an interactive electronic web-based programme and a floor mat illustrating a naked boy and girl. The electronic web-based programme is used to introduce puberty changes, loving relationships, conception, pregnancy and birth and is suitable for students aged nine to 12 years. The floor mat is suitable to be used with students aged between five and 12 years. Teaching activities can include naming body parts, discussing gender differences, personal safety, distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate touching, discussing puberty changes and other health promotion activities as well as delivering aspects of the National Curriculum for Wales. Findings – The results from the initial evaluation undertaken with year six students and teachers demonstrates how the resources have impacted on the teaching and learning experiences of primary teachers and students. It also demonstrates how the teacher training sessions and using the Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up resources have increased teachers’ confidence in delivering SRE. Practical implications – The learning experiences of students and their enjoyment of using the Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up resources were significantly high. The implementation of teacher training improved teaching practice and increased teachers’ confidence in the subject. The resources have facilitated the delivery of effective whole school comprehensive SRE programmes for primary schools. These factors confirm the value of the investment given to their development. The resources could easily be customised in line with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious requirements. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates how the Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up interactive SRE resources have influenced the teaching and learning experiences of primary school teachers and students.

Role of perceived organizational support in teachers’ responsiveness and students’ outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishfaq Ahmed ◽  
Wan Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail ◽  
Salmiah Mohamad Amin ◽  
Talat Islam
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Institutional Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Responsive Behavior

Purpose – Applying the social exchange theory at educational institution, this research endeavor is aimed to find out impact of organizational (institutional) support on teachers’ responsive behavior, and ultimately outcomes of responsiveness in form of students’ satisfaction and academic performance. Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted on 20 teachers and 353 students, from the biggest public sector University of Pakistan. These teachers and students belong to ten faculties. A questionnaire was used to elicit response of both the respondent groups. Findings – Findings of the study reveal that provision of supportive environment (high perceived organizational/institutional support) positively influences teachers and they respond well toward the needs of students. This responsive behavior increases both satisfaction and academic performance of students. Originality/value – This research highlights the role of educational institutions in improving the quality of their product (students).

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