Learning analytics for student retention

Using learning analytics to improve student retention in STEM courses

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

Retention of students is a problem for many STEM courses. Interventions to improve student retention in STEM courses require a deep understanding of learners’ engagements with their course and their motivation. Previous research has shown that the strongest predictors of attrition were behavioural attributes such as learner engagement and academic performance. Learning analytics is where data describing student interaction with an online learning management system is analysed to provide insights into how the student is engaging/progressing with the learning materials. This project will further focus upon the application of learner analytics across STEM courses. This project will explore the complexities of data collection and data analytics and provide suggestions on the data most related to improving retention, and will investigate both cohort and personal interventions on the basis of this data.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Julian Dermoudy

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Julian Dermoudy to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 27 March 2023.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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