A Pilot Study in the Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process to Predict Student Performance in Mathematics

Abstract

The decline in the development of mathematical skills in students prior to university entrance has been a matter of concern to UK higher education staff for a number of years. This article describes a pilot study that uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process to quantify the mathematical experiences of computing students prior to the start of a first year mathematics module with a view to identifying those students that would be in need of additional support during the module. Results indicate that such identification is possible at the start of the module so that targeted support can be provided for these students.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Chemistry Education by Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

“…5, No. 5;2012 career awareness have been determined as in the above-described main goals and scientific knowledge sub-goals. The consistency ratio of the scientific methods (CR: 0.08), societal issues (CR: 0.07), personal needs (CR: 0.04), career awareness (CR: 0.04) sub-goals was found within acceptable limits.…”

“…5, No. 5;2012 conducted. The acceptability of the calculated effectiveness level may vary according to the judgments of the decision-makers and the levels set.…”

“…5, No. 5;2012 Step 2: To form an AHP model in accordance with the purpose of the study. The elements that make up the problem according to the assumptions of the AHP technique are converted into a hierarchical model in accordance with the purpose of the study.…”

“…5, No. 5;2012 Another component determined in this step of the study is the "level of effectiveness" of sub-goals given in the last column of Table 6. The levels of effectiveness of sub-goals were calculated by using the global weights and evaluation scale in Table 5.…”

“…The reason for the use of this technique is that the AHP concept is appropriate for the purposes and nature of this research. It was seen in the literature review that the AHP technique was used for the solution of some of the problems encountered in the field of education, though in a limited number (Feng, Lu., & Bi, 2004;Yetim, 2004;Begicevic and Divjak, 2007;Klein, 2007;Suryadi, 2007;Warwick, 2007;Uzoka, 2008;Li, Li, & Zhang.,2009;Begicevic, Divjak, & Hunjak, 2010;Tsinidou, Gerogiannis, & Fitsilis, 2010;Ho, & Hsu, 2011).…”