Multi-label feature aware XGBoost model for student performance assessment using behavior data in online learning environment

Abstract

In light of recent outbreaks like COVID19, the use of online-based learning streams (i.e., e-Learning systems) has increased significantly. Institutional efforts to boost student achievement have made precise predictions of academic success a priority. To analyze student sessions-streams and anticipate academic success, e-learning platforms are starting to combine data mining (DM) with machine-learning (ML) techniques. Recent research highlights the difficulties that ML-based methods have while dealing with unbalanced data. In tackling ensemble-learning, we combine several ML algorithms to select the most appropriate approach for the given data. Current ensemble-based approaches for predicting student achievement, nevertheless, don't do exceptionally well, particularly when it comes to multi-label classification, because they don't factor the relevance of features into their approaches. This study presents multi-label feature aware XGBoost (MLFA-XGB) method that improves upon the previously used ensemble-learning technique. The MLFA-XGB makes use of a robust cross-validation approach for gaining a deeper understanding of feature relationships. The experimental results demonstrate that in comparison with the state-of-the-art ensemble-based student achievement predictive approach, this suggested MLFA-XGB based approach provides much higher accuracy for prediction.