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Three-method taxonomy of learning analytics: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics

Research Method · All research methods
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

The review organises learning analytics methodologies into three types. "Descriptive analytics use data obtained from sources such as course assessments, surveys, student information systems, learning management system activities and forum interactions mainly for reporting purposes." Predictive analytics use similar data to measure onward learning success or failure, while prescriptive analytics deploy algorithms mainly to predict study success and course completion and to recommend immediate interventions. The review uses this taxonomy to characterise the diversification of early trace-data approaches into broader educational applications.

Accounts

  • Three-method taxonomy of learning analytics: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics: The review organises learning analytics methodologies into three types. "Descriptive analytics use data obtained from sources such as course assessments, surveys, student information systems, learning management system activities and forum interactions mainly for reporting purposes." Predictive analytics use similar data to measure onward learning success or failure, while prescriptive analytics deploy algorithms mainly to predict study success and course completion and to recommend immediate interventions. The review uses this taxonomy to characterise the diversification of early trace-data approaches into broader educational applications. (Dirk Ifenthaler (2020))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • Dirk Ifenthaler, Jane Yin-Kim Yau. (2020). Utilising learning analytics to support study success in higher education: a systematic review. Education Tech Research Dev. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09788-z
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id three-method-taxonomy-of-learning-analytics-descriptive-predictive-and-prescriptive-analyt
title Three-method taxonomy of learning analytics: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics
description The review organises learning analytics methodologies into three types.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-29
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