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Dissertation
Predicting Academic Success in First-Tear Mathematics Courses Using Act Mathematics Scores and High School Grade Point Average
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2012
Abstract
Improving college performance and retention is a daunting task for colleges and universities. Many institutions are taking action to increase retention rates by exploring their academic programs. Regression analysis was used to compare the effectiveness of ACT mathematics scores, high school grade point averages (HSGPA), and demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status for predicting final grades in students' first mathematics courses at Spring Hill College. The results of this study were examined to validate whether the current system for placing students in first-year mathematics courses is successful. Data was used from 870 student records for the freshman fall cohorts from 2008 to 2010. Students were enrolled in Intermediate Algebra, Precalculus, or Calculus I. The results of the study indicate that ACT mathematics score, HSGPA, age, and gender were all statistically significant predictors of students' grades in their first-year mathematics courses with HSGPA the best predictor of all. It was recommended that admission counselors and mathematics department faculty place students in freshmen mathematics courses based on HSGPA, ACT mathematics scores, and the number of mathematics courses taken in high school but with a much stronger emphasis on HSGPA.
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Details
- Title
- Predicting Academic Success in First-Tear Mathematics Courses Using Act Mathematics Scores and High School Grade Point Average
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 72
- Copyright
- © 2012 Sandra Sims Mayo
- Identifiers
- 99380090855706600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida