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Getting the basics right: Factors shaping student performance in intermediate economics

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  • Tse, Harry
  • Tam, Kwok Leung

Abstract

This article examines the determinants of student performance in a second-year undergraduate economics course at a major Australian university–the University of Technology Sydney. This article contributes to the literature by focusing on economics teaching in second-year, which is an area that has received little scholarly interest. The relevant data was collected by administering a survey and accessing student records, ultimately providing a usable sample group of 122 students. Out of a wide range of variables two strong determinants of performance emerged; namely, students’ pre-course aptitude and hours spent in paid employment. Based on these findings suggestions for increasing student performance in second-year economics are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Tse, Harry & Tam, Kwok Leung, 2017. "Getting the basics right: Factors shaping student performance in intermediate economics," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 1-8.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:53:y:2017:i:c:p:1-8
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2016.10.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Petronella Horn & Ada Jansen & Derek Yu, 2011. "Factors Explaining The Academic Success Of Second‐Year Economics Students: An Exploratory Analysis," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 79(2), pages 202-210, June.
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    8. Girijasankar Mallik & John Lodewijks, 2010. "Student Performance in a Large First Year Economics Subject: Which Variables are Significant?," Economic Papers, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 29(1), pages 80-86, March.
    9. Kevin J. Mumford & Matthew W. Ohland, 2011. "Student Performance in Undergraduate Economics Courses," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(3), pages 275-282, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tang, Tommy, 2019. "Perceptions of assessment demands in economics," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 80-90.

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