Enhancing Student Performance Prediction In CS1 Via In-Class Coding

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Hics, Eric, Phan, Vinhthuy, Malasri, Kriangsiri
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Hics, Eric
Phan, Vinhthuy
Malasri, Kriangsiri
author_facet Hics, Eric
Phan, Vinhthuy
Malasri, Kriangsiri
contents Computer science's increased recognition as a prominent field of study has attracted students with diverse academic backgrounds. This has significantly increased the already high failure rates in introductory courses. To address this challenge, it is essential to identify struggling students early on. Incorporating in-class coding exercises in these courses not only offers additional practice opportunities to students but may also reveal their abilities and help teachers identify those in need of assistance. In this work, we seek to determine the extent to which the practice of using in-class coding exercises enhances the ability to predict student performance, especially early in the semester. Based on data obtained in a CS1 course taught at a mid-size American university, we found that in-class exercises could improve the prediction of students' eventual performance. In particular, we found relatively accurately predictions as early as academic weeks 3 through 5, making it possible to devise early intervention strategies. This work can benefit future studies on the impact of in-class exercises as well as intervention strategies throughout the semester.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2510_21848
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Enhancing Student Performance Prediction In CS1 Via In-Class Coding
Hics, Eric
Phan, Vinhthuy
Malasri, Kriangsiri
Computers and Society
Computer science's increased recognition as a prominent field of study has attracted students with diverse academic backgrounds. This has significantly increased the already high failure rates in introductory courses. To address this challenge, it is essential to identify struggling students early on. Incorporating in-class coding exercises in these courses not only offers additional practice opportunities to students but may also reveal their abilities and help teachers identify those in need of assistance. In this work, we seek to determine the extent to which the practice of using in-class coding exercises enhances the ability to predict student performance, especially early in the semester. Based on data obtained in a CS1 course taught at a mid-size American university, we found that in-class exercises could improve the prediction of students' eventual performance. In particular, we found relatively accurately predictions as early as academic weeks 3 through 5, making it possible to devise early intervention strategies. This work can benefit future studies on the impact of in-class exercises as well as intervention strategies throughout the semester.
title Enhancing Student Performance Prediction In CS1 Via In-Class Coding
topic Computers and Society
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.21848