Getting the basics right: Factors shaping student performance in intermediate economics

This article examines the determinants of student performance in a second-year undergraduate economics course at a major Australian university-the University of Technology Sydney. This article contributes to the literature by focusing on economics teaching in second-year, which is an area that has received little scholarly interest. The relevant data was collected by administering a survey and accessing student records, ultimately providing a usable sample group of 122 students. Out of a wide range of variables two strong determinants of performance emerged; namely, students' pre-course aptitude and hours spent in paid employment. Based on these findings suggestions for increasing student performance in second-year economics are provided.