JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION THEORY AND PRACTICE

Grading on a Curve in Prerequisite Courses and Student Performance in Online Introductory Corporate Finance Classes

Author(s): Chien-Chih Peng

Citation: Chien-Chih Pengrs, (2017) "Grading on a Curve in Prerequisite Courses and Student Performance in Online Introductory Corporate Finance Classes ," Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol.17, Iss. 9, pp.92-103

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

This paper examines whether the practice of grading on a curve in prerequisite courses can affect student

performance in online introductory corporate finance classes. The ordinary least squares regression

model is employed to analyze a sample of 206 students during the period from 2008 to 2012. The results

of this study show that the student’s age, major, educational experience, number of hours a student

works, and performance in prerequisite courses are significant determinants of student performance.

However, the results show no significant difference in student performance in the online introductory

corporate finance class between students whose grades were curved and those who did not receive curved

grades in prerequisite courses.