Application of sigmoid curves for the analysis of the results of student groups

Abstract

The results and achievements of two student groups, writing the same test of the topic „Fundamentals of mechanical engineering” were studied and compared. On the basis of these results, it is possible to build characteristic sigmoid curves of the groups. These curves are unique for the given group, just like fingerprints for humans. After writing the equations of these curves, it is possible to create the derivatives and integrals of the curves. For the approximation process, the Nelder- Mead optimization algorithm is used. Investigating the shape of the curves and the numerical values of the parameters in the equations of the curves, a very detailed, numerically documented characterization can be made about the results and achievements of a group. Comparison of these characterizations will reveal some very important characteristics of the group members which can be important for the teacher or for persons evaluating or monitoring the groups and makes possible to create an objective, detailed, numerically documentable ranking or qualification of the groups, which will take into consideration several important points of view.