IIAI Letters on Institutional Research

Gender Equality and Digital Education as Catalysts for Economic Growth

Noriko Ito — 2024-02-01

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the economic growth models of Japan and the Nordic five countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, from 1990 to 2022, with a particular emphasis on three aspects: education systems, political participation, and digitalization. Progress and challenges in achieving gender equality, promoting digital education, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering innovation are examined to discern how these aspects have affected economic growth in both regions. Through the analysis, the differences in economic growth models of Japan and the Nordic countries, especially in the realms of educational reforms brought about by gender equality and economic growth, are discussed.

Proposing a New Field: Institutional Research (IR) Philosophy based on Eduinformatics

Kunihiko Takamatsu — 2024-02-01

Amid the transition from Society 4.0 to Society 5.0, the role of Institutional Research (IR) in higher education is evolving. We have proposed an interdisciplinary field named “Eduinformatics,” which integrates education and informatics, offering fresh insights into data-driven educational strategies. In this study, we further introduce “IR Philosophy” as a novel approach to bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of IR. By examining the current state of IR in Japanese universities, we emphasize the significance of technical skills and the importance of understanding the broader educational context, termed “contextual knowledge.” Our findings suggest that while technical proficiency is crucial, a profound understanding of the broader educational context, referred to as “issue knowledge,” is equally vital. Furthermore, as we move into the era of Society 5.0, our research underscores the need for a more integrated approach to IR, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of education.

Diploma Supplements in Japanese Higher Education

Satoshi Ozeki — 2024-02-01

Over the last decade, the diploma supplement (DS), a document providing detailed information on degrees’ qualifications, has been introduced into Japanese higher education (HE) as part of a broader reform of its quality assurance system. Scholars argue that the Japanese DS focuses on individual student learning but not on articulation and student mobility, as observed in the European Higher Education Area. However, little is known about DS use in Japan. As such, this study aims to investigate DS implementation in Japanese HE. An online questionnaire was developed to examine the implementation rate and information type included in the DS. The survey targeted all 787 national, public, and private universities offering bachelor’s degrees in Japan. The study obtained a total of 240 responses, resulting in a response rate of 30.5%. Subsequent analysis revealed that 29.6% of the universities had implemented the DS, with higher rates in national and private universities than prefectural and municipal universities. The main reason for DS implementation was to “visualize student learning outcomes” (93.0%), and the most popular information type included in the DS was “indicators of attainment based on diploma policy learning outcomes” (73.2%). This study supports the argument that DS use in Japanese HE is related to student learning outcomes.

Predicting Student Dropout Risk Using LMS Logs

Takaaki Ohkawauchi — 2024-03-18

Traditionally, the prediction of student dropout in university classes has often been based on stu-dents’ pre-enrollment information or confirmed grade data for each semester after enrollment. However, effective support requires early intervention when signs of dropping out appear. In this study, we propose a model to continuously measure dropout signs using log data accumulated in a learning management system during classes. By applying machine learning to the log data in the learning management system, we could continuously update information on at-risk students with high accuracy from the beginning to the end of the class.

Is Dual Enrollment a Predictor of Academic Success?

Jennifer Lude — 2024-02-01

As almost all institutions of higher education continue to face enrollment issues, they must consider evidence-based strategies to sustain and increase recruitment, matriculation, retention, and graduation. Policy makers and educational administrators expect that dual enrollment provides institutions of higher education an opportunity to invest early in student success by encouraging students to pursue postsecondary education while decreasing cost and time to graduation. However, findings across multiple studies suggest that dual enrollment does not necessarily always increase a student’s chance for positive post-secondary school outcomes. This study analyzed data from a R1 southern flagship institution to determine if dual enrollment was a predictor for college graduation. Use of descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and stepwise logistic regression determined that dual enrollment alone did not increase the probability of graduation. Variables impacting graduation and dual enrollment characteristics are discussed and recommendations provided for institutions.

Launch Out on a Practical Platform for Institutional Research Toward Sharing of Its Technology and Knowledge

Shotaro Imai — 2024-02-01

Terenzini classified the i ntelligence required f or an Institutional Research (IR) conductor into three tiers. “Technical and analytical intelligence” is a general technique of statistical analysis but the other two are difficult to learn s ince they r equire experience in IR and a deep understanding of the institute to which each belongs. In addition, there is no definitive definition of IR in J apan. These facts confuse IR b eginners. To overcome the problem, we launched a platform for sharing technology and knowledge of IR. An IR beginner can access to learn the methodology of IR and an IR expert can share ingenious ideas and techniques through the platform. We named the platform PAIR (Platform of the Art of Institutional Research) and provided it by GitHub. In this paper, we describe the background, the concept, and the future visions of the PAIR.