通过新算法识别影响理工科毕业率的关键因素,助力高校精准提升学生成功率。
A novel association and ranking approach identifies factors affecting educational outcomes of STEM majors
- 用D-basis算法分析多维度数据,排序影响毕业的关键因素。
- 低年级理工课程成绩、数学课选择及专业灵活性是主要预测指标。
- 适合高校教育管理者与政策制定者参考,优化教学支持体系。
提升本科阶段理工科学生的成功概率,需识别可操作的影响因素,以便高校优先布局关键改进点。本研究采用新颖的D-basis关联算法,分析美国东北部两所四年制高校的学生学术、人口统计及机构因素对毕业率的影响,数据包含来自国家学生清查中心的转学追踪信息。结果显示,早期理工类核心课程表现(如基础生物、普通化学、数学)与毕业高度相关;选择灵活的主修路径的学生整体毕业率更高,尤其是从理工科转向非理工科者。此外,佩尔助学金资格与人口统计因素虽整体预测力较弱,但揭示了毕业时间与留校率的差异。研究强调应加强入门级理工课程支持,并推行更具弹性的专业选择政策。提升数学、生物、化学等先导课程教学质量,结合定制化数学路径和针对性支持,有助于显著提高理工科学位完成率。该研究为高校制定数据驱动的干预策略提供依据。
原文摘要 · Abstract (English)
Improving undergraduate success in STEM requires identifying actionable factors that impact student outcomes, allowing institutions to prioritize key leverage points for change. We examined academic, demographic, and institutional factors that might be associated with graduation rates at two four-year colleges in the northeastern United States using a novel association algorithm called D-basis to rank attributes associated with graduation. Importantly, the data analyzed included tracking data from the National Student Clearinghouse on students who left their original institutions to determine outcomes following transfer. Key predictors of successful graduation include performance in introductory STEM courses, the choice of first mathematics class, and flexibility in major selection. High grades in introductory biology, general chemistry, and mathematics courses were strongly correlated with graduation. At the same time, students who switched majors - especially from STEM to non-STEM - had higher overall graduation rates. Additionally, Pell eligibility and demographic factors, though less predictive overall, revealed disparities in time to graduation and retention rates. The findings highlight the importance of early academic support in STEM gateway courses and the implementation of institutional policies that provide flexibility in major selection. Enhancing student success in introductory mathematics, biology, and chemistry courses could greatly influence graduation rates. Furthermore, customized mathematics pathways and focused support for STEM courses may assist institutions in optimizing student outcomes. This study offers data-driven insights to guide strategies to increase STEM degree completion.
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