Utilizing visualization and feature selection methods to identify important learning objectives in a course

Abstract

There have been numerous efforts to increase students' academic success. One data-driven approach is to highlight the important learning objectives in a course. In this paper, we used visualization and three feature selection methods to highlight the important learning objectives in a course. Identifying important learning objectives as well as the relation among the learning objectives have multiple educational advantages. First, it informs the instructors and students of the important topics in the course; without learning them properly students will not be successful. Second, it highlights any inconsistencies in defining the learning objective, how they are being assessed, and design of the course. Thus, this approach can be used as a course design diagnostic tool.