Challenges in the Study Include: 

-  Applying analysis from large data sets to enhance and tailor instruction.
-  Recruiting students for the interviews. 

University of Georgia

The University of Michigan implemented the use of Learning Analytics (LA) to create a computer support system called E^2Coach (Expert Electronic Coach), to help students achieve higher grades in STEM courses.  


Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science
Methods and Goals

Wright, M. C., Mckay, T., Hershock, C., Miller, K., &amp; Tritz, J. (2014). Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 46(1), 28-34. doi:10.1080/00091383.2014.867209

Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science

U-M gathered data such as GPA, test scores, SES, and gender, on almost 50,000 physics students over fourteen years, with GPA acting as the primary predictor of students' grades in the physics course. Students who performed on the extreme ends, earning grades of better than expected or worse than expected, evaluated based on their personal goals and predictions, were interviewed to gather their strategies for studying. U-M then asked students who received a B+ or higher for insight into what their study habits and strategies were. Based on this information gathered, E^2 was developed and used as an optional student resource tool to provide useful test-taking skills, motivation, and advice for the excelling in the course.


Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science.
Data Collection

The results regarding the effectiveness of the E^2Coach system indicated that students who used the E^2Coach system performed significantly better than expected, in comparison to the students who did not use the system. It is important to note that regarding gender, females consistently scored lower than their male counterparts.


Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science.
Results of E^2Coach System

The term BTE refers to students who performed better than expected in the physics course, and WTE students are students who performed worse than expected in the course.

- Students who performed BTE showed to be more adaptive in their study habits compared to those who performed WTE
- BTE students reported studying 5-10 hours more during exam week compared to WTE students
- BTE students adjusted their strategies in response to feedback
- If they struggled with the exam, BTE students increased the number of ways they studied
- More than half of WTE students discontinued using a resource after reportedly struggling with the exam
- BTE students collaborated with other students more, compared the WTE students
- WTE students relied on expert assistance more than BTE students

Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science.
Findings on BTE and WTE Students

Better Than Expected: Using Learning Analytics to Promote Student Success in Gateway Science.

Challenges in the Study

This illustrates the application of the E^2 system at the University of Michigan. 

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