Constructs that have incided in academic performance in the Agroindustrial Engineering career at the UNI North Regional

Abstract

Factors that influenced the quality of academic performance in students of Agroindustrial Engineering, at UNI Norte, Nicaragua, were studied. The research had a mixed approach, quantitative and qualitative research methods were integrated. These included: correlational, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, advanced statistical modeling, interviews, focus groups, content analysis and attitudinal surveys. Quantitative data were collected from academic databases and online surveys. Data mining was implemented. Qualitative information was provided by students of the higher years and teachers of the career. Explaining the academic performance, three constructs were identified: Gender, Motivation and Metacognition. It was recommended to implement student learning strategies, offer continuous teacher training, modify the curriculum and academic regulations, define a gender policy on admission and monitor academic performance through data mining with available databases.