Working Students and Their Academic Performance – A Decision Tree Analysis

Abstract

In this study, a decision tree analysis is conducted to identify the effects from working. The result shows that student age is the first major indicator for better grade regardless of working status. Then, the factor of students’ self-perception on the effect of working on academic performance matters a lot. A pessimistic student, who believes in the negative impact of working on studying, needs a balanced combination of course work and working load. However, for an optimistic student, academic standing is important. Senior students with a positive perception on working are more likely to validate this perception by good academic performance. While, for students in other academic standings, working for a job relevant to major can help. Otherwise, a moderate level of working load is still recommended. The analysis approach can be easily applied to any academic counselling: to identify when working intensity can matter, which group of students may be more vulnerable to a negative impact of working, and what working aspects may play a role in academic performance.