| The policy that colleges and universities recommend excellent undergraduates to study for master’s degree has been issued so far,the number of recommended postgraduates increased significantly,which has led to the heated discussion on the academic performance of postgraduates.Based on this topic,the study starts with the question on whether the recommended postgraduates selected by universities show excellent academic ability and training potential,and explores the current status and influence factors of the students’ academic performance as well as the influence mechanism of their academic achievement and research output.The study takes E University as an example and uses quantitative research methods to analyze current academic performance of all the 2018 academic master’s students.Firstly,there are significant differences in the academic performance between recommended postgraduates and exam-enrolled postgraduates.Specifically,recommended postgraduates obtain better academic achievement and more honors than exam-enrolled postgraduates,but their scientific research output is significantly weaker.Also,there is no significant difference in their dissertation review scores and the choices of working or further studying after their graduation.Secondly,there are significant differences in academic performance within recommended postgraduates,which is resulted by different university level,subject and gender.Thirdly,admission method significantly affects students’ academic performance,dissertation review scores,probability of obtaining the national scholarship and probability of further studies,but it has no significant impact on students’ scientific research output.Fourthly,the supervisor’s guidance frequency has a significant positive impact on scientific research output of exam-enrolled postgraduates,but its impact on the output of recommended postgraduates is not significant.Finally,learning engagement,scientific research input and tutor guidance frequency are important for academic performance of recommended postgraduates.The research also show that learningmotivation and learning autonomy have an impact on students’ academic achievement and scientific research output by affecting the engagement.And the former directly affects scientific research output of recommended students and the latter directly affects their academic achievement.Focusing on the current situation and the influencing factors of academic performance in the individual academic growth,this research puts forward some suggestions for the research productivity and academic development of recommended postgraduates from three levels of the nation,universities and individuals.Firstly,when amending or establishing policy,the country should expand the proportion of recommended students in non-key universities,establish a systematic tracking evaluation system for undergraduates,and pay more attention to students’ learning motivation and learning goals.Secondly,colleges and universities should establish an enrollment mechanism that does not emphasize the level of undergraduate universities,revise enrollment methods and provide more support for recommended postgraduates.Thirdly,selected students should make specific learning goals,keep a good attitude toward learning and research and increase their learning engagement and scientific research input. |
