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Explaining Academic Performance of First–Year Undergraduate Students in Economics

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Abstract

This paper examines the impact of a set of academic performance predictors on first-year undergraduate students of Economics. The academic performance predictors are grouped into preuniversity school characteristics, prior academic achievement, entrance requirements, university and social factors. Stepwise regression technique was employed in the analysis. The results show that performance in O’level Economics and University and Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) consistently have significant positive influence on students’ academic performance. Attendance of tutorial in the university has important influence students’ performance. It is evident that male academic performance is on the average, lower than female performance. However, there is weak evidence that time students spend on social media negatively affect their academic performance. This paper therefore, recommends that admission authority should put more emphasis on O’level grade in Economics and UTME score when considering candidates to study economics; and that tutorial should be well organized by the Department rather than arbitrarily as being organized currently.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Abdulhakeem, Kilishi, 2021. "Explaining Academic Performance of First–Year Undergraduate Students in Economics," Working Papers 9, Department of Economics, University of Ilorin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:decilo:0009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Smith, Jeremy & Naylor, Robin, 2005. "Schooling effects on subsequent university performance: evidence for the UK university population," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(5), pages 549-562, October.
    2. Kurtis J. Swope & Pamela M. Schmitt, 2006. "The Performance of Economics Graduates over the Entire Curriculum: The Determinants of Success," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(4), pages 387-394, October.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A21 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Pre-college
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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