Journals Information
Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 13(1), pp. 12 - 31
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2025.130102
Reprint (PDF) (608Kb)
First-Year Courses and their Influence on Students' GPAs at the University of Tabuk Using Regression Analysis
Elsiddig Idriss Mohamed , Hussein Eledum *, Rahmtalla Yagoub
Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, KSA
ABSTRACT
This study examines the influence of first-year courses on students' GPAs at the University of Tabuk using multiple linear regression analysis. Ridge regression is utilized as a remedial approach to addressing multicollinearity among the predictor variables. Additionally, the backward elimination method is employed to refine the model by systematically removing non-significant predictors, ensuring the selection of the optimal regression model. The analysis focuses on six departments within the Faculty of Science: Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, and Chemistry, using data from three semesters of female students admitted in 1444. The results indicate that courses including English (ELS), Chemistry (CHEM), and Islamic Culture (ISLS) consistently have a positive impact on GPAs across most departments. Conversely, Communication Skills (CID) negatively affect students' GPAs in the Mathematics department. The Chemistry and Biochemistry departments demonstrate the highest consistency in positive impacts, suggesting effective course structures, while the Mathematics department shows several insignificant coefficients, highlighting potential areas for curriculum improvement. The findings underscore the importance of strategic course selection and curriculum review to enhance academic performance and support student success during the first year. Recommendations include revising less effective courses and providing targeted support for challenging subjects. This study provides a novel and detailed analysis of how specific first-year courses influence GPAs in different departments of the University of Tabuk.
KEYWORDS
First-Year Courses, Student GPA, Multiple Linear Regression, Ridge Regression, Academic Performance, Course Impact, Curriculum Improvement
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Elsiddig Idriss Mohamed , Hussein Eledum , Rahmtalla Yagoub , "First-Year Courses and their Influence on Students' GPAs at the University of Tabuk Using Regression Analysis," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 12 - 31, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2025.130102.
(b). APA Format:
Elsiddig Idriss Mohamed , Hussein Eledum , Rahmtalla Yagoub (2025). First-Year Courses and their Influence on Students' GPAs at the University of Tabuk Using Regression Analysis. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 13(1), 12 - 31. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2025.130102.