PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR STUDENT

PERFORMANCE

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

ANISHA.V : (22353008)
JOSHNA PRINCY.B.P : (22353010)
PRIYANKA.M : (22353005)

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

HINDUSTAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE

CHENNAI - 603 103

APRIL 2025
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “ PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR STUDENT

PERFORMANCE” is the bonafide work of ANISHA.V (22353008),

JOSHNA PRINCY.B.P (22353010), PRIYANKA.M (22353005) who
carried out the project work under my supervision during the academic year.

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

Dr. S. Gokila Dr. S. Lakshmanan

Professor and head Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Applications Department of Computer Applications

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

Project Viva conducted on:

1
 ACKNOWLEGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who
have guided, supported, and encouraged me throughout the duration of this project.

First and foremost, I express my sincere thanks to Dr. S. Gokila, Professor and Head,
Department of Computer Applications, for her invaluable support, encouragement,
and for showing keen interest in our project. Her continued guidance and constructive
feedback served as a great source of motivation and direction at every stage of this
project.

I would also like to extend my deep appreciation to Dr. Angeline Benita, Assistant
Professor (SG) and Project Coordinator (BCA), whose unwavering support,
supervision, and helpful suggestions played a crucial role in the successful
completion of this project. Her availability and willingness to help at all times were
immensely helpful.

I am profoundly grateful to my project guide, Dr. Laksmanan S, Assistant Professor

(SG), Department of Computer Applications, for his insightful inputs, timely
suggestions, and consistent encouragement throughout the project journey. His
mentorship was instrumental in shaping my understanding and in guiding me
especially during the report writing phase. His feedback helped me improve both the
technical and presentational aspects of my work.

A heartfelt thanks to all my faculty members for their academic support, guidance,
and encouragement throughout my degree program. Their dedication and passion for
teaching have been a true inspiration.

I am also thankful to my friends and peers who have supported me in various ways —
through discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and by offering valuable
suggestions that enhanced the quality of my coding and development work.

Through this project, I have not only improved my technical skills but also learned
the importance of teamwork, research, problem-solving, and time management. This
growth was made possible due to the opportunity and freedom given to me by my
mentors and teachers, for which I am truly thankful.

Last but by no means least, I wish to thank God Almighty for giving me the strength,
patience, and resilience to carry this project forward. I am equally thankful to my
family, who have stood by me unconditionally, offering their love, encouragement,
and blessings throughout this journey.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter Page
Title
No. No.
Abstract 4
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of Student Performance Prediction 5
1
1.2 Importance of Data-Driven Academic Insights 6
1.3 Objectivities 7
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Review Details 9
2 2.2 Application of Machine Learning in Education 9
2.3 Use of Random Forest for Regression 10
2.4 Importance of Visualization in EdTech 11
SYSTEM DESIGN
3.1 Existing System 13
3.2 Proposed System 14
3
3.3 Software Requirements 14
3.4 Hardware Requirements 15
3.5 System Architecture 16
MODULE DESCRIPTION
4.1 Data Generation Module 19
4 4.2 Data preprocessing module 20
4.3 Performance modelling module 20
4.4 Final Computation module 21
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION 24
5.1 Unit testing 24
5 5.2 Test cases and result 26
5.3 Module evaluation metrics 27
5.4 User interface testing 29
5.5Graph display validation 30
IMPLEMENTATION 31
6 6.1 Implementing 32
6.2 Source code 32
CONCLUSION & FUTURE WORK 39
7.1 Conclusion and Results 39
7
7.2 Future work 42

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 ABSTRACT

In the evolving landscape of education, leveraging machine learning to predict

student academic performance has emerged as a transformative tool for data-driven
decision-making. This project presents a predictive analytics system designed to
estimate student performance based on key academic and behavioral factors. The
system utilizes a synthetically generated dataset of 1,000 student records,
incorporating variables such as hours studied, attendance percentage, previous GPA,
test scores, participation in extracurricular activities, and quality of study habits. A
Random Forest Regressor is trained on this data to output a performance score, which
is then delivered through a user-friendly interface built with Gradio.
The system provides both textual predictions and visual representations in the
form of performance graphs, ensuring clarity and accessibility for students, educators,
and academic administrators. The interactive design allows real-time input
adjustments, enabling users to explore how various factors influence academic
outcomes. Extensive testing was conducted, including unit, integration, and UI
validation, confirming the system’s accuracy, stability, and usability.
This project demonstrates the practical integration of artificial intelligence
into educational support systems. By combining predictive modeling with intuitive
interfaces, it offers a scalable, accessible, and insightful tool to enhance academic
planning and student self-awareness. The modular architecture and adaptability of the
system position it for future enhancements, including integration with real
institutional datasets and expansion into mobile or web-based platforms.

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 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE PREDICTION

In today’s digital age, educational institutions are transitioning from traditional

academic evaluation methods toward data-driven decision-making models. Predicting
student performance has gained considerable attention due to its potential to
transform academic management, personalized learning, and intervention strategies.
Understanding the academic trajectory of a student based on their past behavior and
performance can help educators provide timely support, enhance instructional quality,
and ultimately improve student success rates.
The objective of student performance prediction is to develop a model capable of
forecasting academic outcomes based on key influencing factors. These factors
include both measurable academic attributes such as attendance, GPA, and test
scores, as well as behavioral indicators like study habits and extracurricular
involvement. By aggregating these diverse inputs, a predictive model can offer
actionable insights to educators and stakeholders.
This project introduces a Student Performance Prediction System, which is
implemented using a supervised machine learning approach. A synthetic dataset has
been generated to simulate realistic academic environments involving 1,000 students.
The features in the dataset include hours studied, attendance percentage, previous
GPA, test score, involvement in extracurricular activities, and study habits. The target
variable is the student’s overall academic performance score, derived from a
weighted combination of these inputs.
The model architecture is based on a Random Forest Regressor, chosen for its
robustness, accuracy, and interpretability. Once trained, the model is integrated with a
Gradio-based interface, allowing users to input individual student parameters and
instantly receive predicted performance results. In addition to textual output, the
system also provides visual analytics, including bar graphs, which make the results
more intuitive and accessible.

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1.2 IMPORTANCE OF DATA-DRIVEN ACADEMIC INSIGHTS

In the context of education, the integration of data analytics into performance

evaluation represents a significant paradigm shift. Traditionally, institutions have
relied on periodic assessments, standardized testing, and manual grading to measure
academic success. However, these methods provide limited insight into a student’s
learning journey, often capturing only a snapshot rather than a comprehensive picture.

The emergence of educational data mining (EDM) and learning analytics (LA) has
enabled a more holistic approach. These domains leverage large volumes of
educational data to uncover patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent.
Predictive models, such as the one implemented in this project, go beyond
retrospective analysis to offer foresight into a student’s potential, strengths, and areas
needing improvement.

This shift toward data-driven academic insight has several advantages:

 Early identification of at-risk students: By analyzing behavioral patterns,

institutions can intervene before a student’s performance declines critically.
 Personalized learning pathways: Predictions can help tailor educational
content, pace, and support to suit individual needs.
 Resource optimization: Schools and colleges can allocate mentorship,
counseling, and academic support based on predictive risk profiles.
 Performance benchmarking: Institutions can track and compare progress
across time, batches, or departments to assess systemic improvements.
The current system considers variables that are often undervalued in traditional
metrics, such as extracurricular activities and study habits. Including these in the
model not only improves prediction accuracy but also aligns with modern pedagogical
views that value holistic development. It acknowledges that students are not only
academic beings but also individuals with emotional, psychological, and social
influences that impact their learning.

Furthermore, the visual output component of the system enhances interpretability.

Stakeholders, including non-technical users, can easily grasp performance levels and
make data-informed decisions. By integrating machine learning with intuitive

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interface design, this project bridges the gap between complex analytics and practical
educational.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

The overarching goal of this project is to design and develop a predictive model that
utilizes multiple student-related factors to accurately forecast academic performance.
This prediction serves as a decision-support tool for educators and learners, aiding in
better planning, self-assessment, and academic strategy.

The specific objectives of the project are outlined below:

1. To simulate a synthetic educational dataset that closely mimics real-world

student data in terms of structure, variability, and behavioral patterns.

2. To preprocess the dataset using one-hot encoding, normalization, and

feature selection techniques to ensure it is suitable for machine learning
algorithms.

3. To implement and train a Random Forest Regressor, a robust ensemble

learning model that can handle both categorical and numerical data while
minimizing overfitting.

4. To evaluate the performance of the predictive model based on metrics such

as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), R-squared score, and visual interpretation of
predictions.

5. To build an interactive Gradio interface that enables users to enter student

data and receive instant feedback on expected academic performance.

6. To incorporate graphical visualization techniques, including bar plots, to

enhance the user’s ability to understand the predicted outcomes.

7. To highlight the impact of non-academic factors, such as participation in

extracurricular activities and quality of study habits, on overall performance.

8. To design a modular and scalable architecture, enabling future integration

with real datasets, additional features (e.g., emotional wellbeing, sleep
patterns), or other machine learning models.

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This project also seeks to raise awareness of the value of integrating AI into
educational systems, encouraging institutions to adopt predictive analytics tools to
better serve students. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in day-to-day life, its
application in academia is not only timely but essential for nurturing student success
in a personalized and proactive manner.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Review Details

The use of machine learning (ML) in education has evolved rapidly over the last
decade, driven by the need for personalized learning experiences and better
performance analytics. Various studies have explored the integration of predictive
models to assess students’ academic success based on diverse factors like attendance,
study habits, socio-economic background, and psychological parameters.

This chapter examines prior research contributions that have shaped the direction of
educational data mining and intelligent tutoring systems. Emphasis is laid on the
application of Random Forest for regression problems, given its proven robustness in
handling structured educational datasets. Moreover, the importance of visualization in
educational technology (EdTech) is discussed, highlighting how interactive graphs
and dashboards can significantly improve stakeholder engagement and decision-
making.

The review is structured into key thematic areas relevant to the present project: (1)
Machine Learning in Education, (2) Regression through Random Forest, and (3)
Visualization and UI in EdTech applications.

2.2 Application of Machine Learning in Education

Machine Learning has emerged as a cornerstone in transforming the education system

from a reactive to a proactive model. Educational Data Mining (EDM) and Learning
Analytics are subdomains within EdTech where ML models are utilized to extract
actionable insights from raw student data.

Several scholarly works have explored the application of ML algorithms—such as

Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and
Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)—to classify students into performance brackets,
predict dropouts, suggest personalized study plans, and automate grading. A notable
example is the study by Romero and Ventura (2007), which elaborated on the
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potential of decision trees for classifying students’ learning outcomes based on
historical academic data.

In particular, predictive models have shown promise in:

 Forecasting academic success based on pre-admission variables like high

school GPA and entrance test scores.
 Monitoring engagement metrics such as login frequency, participation in
forums, and resource downloads on e-learning platforms.
 Identifying at-risk students using early warning systems.

The integration of ML with cloud-based dashboards and mobile applications has also
made it easier for educators and institutions to deploy these predictive solutions at
scale. This project leverages this trend by deploying a Random Forest-based student
performance predictor via a Gradio-powered web interface.

2.3 Use of Random Forest for Regression

Random Forest, introduced by Breiman (2001), is a powerful ensemble-based ML

algorithm that aggregates the predictions of multiple decision trees. Its capability to
reduce overfitting and handle both categorical and numerical data makes it ideal for
educational regression problems.

In educational research, Random Forest has demonstrated high accuracy in predicting

continuous outcomes like final grades, GPA, or performance scores. This is achieved
through:

 Bootstrapping: Where multiple datasets are randomly sampled.

 Feature Randomization: Where only a subset of features is considered at
each split, enhancing diversity among trees.
 Aggregation of Predictions: Where the mean prediction of all trees is taken
in regression tasks.

Studies by Thai-Nghe et al. (2010) compared several ML models for student

performance prediction and found that ensemble methods like Random Forest
consistently outperformed individual models like linear regression and naïve Bayes.
The present project follows a similar structure, applying Random Forest to synthetic

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educational data for regression and training the model to predict a performance score
based on variables like GPA, hours studied, and test scores.

This approach ensures:

 Interpretability: Feature importance metrics reveal key predictors influencing

student performance.
 Scalability: The model handles hundreds of data points efficiently.
 Noise Resistance: Random Forest naturally averages out anomalies in data.

The model in this project uses RandomForestRegressor with 150 estimators and a
maximum depth of 8, optimized for balanced performance and generalization.

2.4 Importance of Visualization in EdTech

Visualization plays a vital role in making machine learning insights digestible,

especially in educational settings where stakeholders may not be data scientists.
Effective visualizations allow:

 Students to track their own performance and get actionable feedback.

 Teachers to identify underperforming students early.
 Institutions to make informed policy changes based on trends.

Interactive visualizations built with libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn, and hosted
via platforms like Gradio, significantly enhance user experience. In this project, a
dark-themed performance dashboard provides an intuitive, visually appealing way to
interpret the predicted results.

Research by Few (2009) underscores the cognitive benefits of simple yet impactful
visual representations, particularly in reducing information overload. Moreover, the
“Performance Graph” in this project—a bar chart showing the predicted score—
creates an immediate understanding of the outcome.

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Features of the implemented visualizations include:

 Color-coded bar charts reflecting predicted performance.

 Dark UI themes for reduced visual fatigue.
 Dynamic graph rendering triggered by a checkbox option for improved
interactivity.

Visualization is not just an aesthetic choice—it supports deeper learning, promotes

self-awareness, and enables data-driven decisions in education. As educational
platforms become more student-centric, the role of personalized visual analytics will
become even more critical.

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 CHAPTER-3
SYSTEM DESIGN

3.1 EXISTING SYSTEM:

In the current educational ecosystem, institutions primarily depend on conventional

evaluation methods to measure student performance. These include test scores,
assignment grades, attendance tracking, and in some cases, teacher evaluations. While
these methods offer a basic level of insight, they lack the ability to predict future
outcomes or suggest personalized academic strategies.
Most existing systems are reactive in nature—they assess performance after an exam
or term has ended. There are minimal provisions for proactive intervention, meaning
students who struggle academically are often identified only after significant damage
is done to their grades or academic standing.
Furthermore, while Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle or
Blackboard collect massive amounts of student activity data, they are underutilized in
predictive contexts. LMS platforms focus on resource delivery and course
organization rather than student analytics. Even platforms that offer dashboards often
provide limited interpretation and lack personalized performance prediction.
Another significant limitation of existing systems is the absence of intuitive user
interfaces. Most predictive tools, if used at all, are accessible only to administrators
or data scientists. Students and faculty rarely engage with these tools directly. This
limits the reach and impact of machine learning in educational institutions.
Lastly, many systems ignore non-academic variables such as study habits, behavior,
and extracurricular engagement. These factors, although qualitative in nature, have
proven to be crucial indicators of student success but remain largely untapped in
current digital education tools.

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3.2 PROPOSED SYSTEM

The proposed system is a comprehensive, interactive solution that leverages

machine learning to predict student academic performance in real-time. It
incorporates both academic and behavioral variables into its model and presents
results through an easy-to-use Gradio interface. The goal is not only to predict
performance but to enhance awareness, motivation, and academic planning.

The prediction model uses a Random Forest Regressor, an ensemble learning

algorithm known for its accuracy and robustness. This model is trained on a
synthetically generated dataset comprising 1,000 records. The features include:

 Hours Studied

 Attendance Percentage

 Previous GPA

 Test Scores

 Participation in Extracurricular Activities

 Study Habits

The target variable is a calculated Performance Score, expressed as a percentage.

This score simulates a realistic academic result, considering multiple influencing
factors.

What sets this system apart is its real-time interactivity. Users input their personal
data through sliders, radio buttons, and dropdown menus. With a single click, they
receive:

 A precise performance prediction

 A visually styled performance graph

 Insights into which variables contributed most to the result

The Gradio interface is styled with dark mode aesthetics, using CSS
customizations to make the experience visually appealing and easy on the eyes. The
system also includes data preprocessing modules such as one-hot encoding,
normalization, and real-time feature alignment to maintain model consistency.

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Moreover, this system is modular and scalable. It can be extended to include
additional features such as mental health indicators, time management scores, and
peer comparison. It can also be integrated into LMS platforms to allow continuous
tracking and predictive updates throughout the semester.

3.3 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

To ensure the system runs efficiently, the following software tools and libraries are
used:
 Python 3.7+: Core programming language for logic, model training, and data
handling.

 Pandas & NumPy: Used for data creation, manipulation, and simulation of
synthetic datasets.

 Scikit-learn: Provides the machine learning toolkit, including the Random

Forest Regressor and model evaluation tools.

 Matplotlib & Seaborn: For generating performance graphs and styled

visualizations.

 Gradio (v3.35.2): Open-source library used to build the web-based,

interactive UI.

 Jupyter Notebook/VS Code: IDEs used during development for scripting,

visualization, and testing.

 Anaconda: For package management and virtual environment handling.

 Web Browser (Chrome/Firefox): Required to access and use the locally

hosted Gradio UI.

All dependencies are open-source and easily installable via pip or through the
Anaconda environment manager.

3.4 Hardware requirements:

The system is designed to be lightweight and can operate on a basic personal

computer. The hardware requirements are minimal and suitable for both development
and deployment environments.

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  Operating System: Windows 10 / Linux Ubuntu / macOS

 Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent AMD processor (minimum)

 RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended for smoother experience)

 Storage: 2 GB of free disk space (for Python, packages, and data)

 Display: 1280×720 resolution or higher for optimal interface layout

 Internet Connection: Not mandatory for local usage, but recommended for
installing dependencies and accessing external datasets or APIs in future
upgrades.

Since Gradio operates as a local server, the tool can run offline after setup and can be
accessed from any browser.

3.5 System Architecture

Fig. 3.1 Machine Learning Architecture

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Fig. 3.2 Component Flow

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Fig. 3.3 Full Stack Layered Architecture

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 CHAPTER-4

MODULES DESCRIPTION

The proposed system is organized into distinct yet interconnected modules that
work together to collect data, process it, and provide performance predictions using
a trained machine learning model. This modular design ensures flexibility,
scalability, and easier debugging or future upgrades. Each module serves a specific
purpose, and together, they form the backbone of the student performance
prediction system.

4.1 DATA GENERATION MODULE

This is the first and most fundamental module in the system. Since real-world student
data might not be available due to privacy or institutional constraints, a synthetic
dataset is created using random distributions. The module uses Python libraries like
NumPy and Pandas to simulate realistic student records.

The dataset includes 1,000 student entries and features a variety of variables that
influence academic performance. These variables include:

 Hours Studied per Day: An integer value ranging from 1 to 10. It simulates
the amount of time a student dedicates to studying daily.

 Attendance (%): Ranges from 50% to 100%. High attendance is typically

associated with better academic engagement.

 Previous GPA: A float value ranging from 2.0 to 4.0. This reflects a student's
academic history.

 Test Score: Simulated final exam or midterm score ranging from 50 to 100.

 Extracurricular Activities: A binary categorical value indicating whether a

student is involved in additional school activities.

 Study Habits: A categorical value classified as Good, Average, or Poor.

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These variables are not only realistic but are aligned with academic research on
student performance metrics. The synthetic data generation allows testing of the
model under varied hypothetical scenarios.

4.2 DATA PREPROCESSING MODULE

Raw data, especially with categorical variables, needs to be processed into a form
suitable for machine learning models. This is handled in the preprocessing module.
The major steps include:

 One-Hot Encoding: Categorical variables such as "Extracurricular Activities"

and "Study Habits" are converted into binary format. For example,
"Study_Habits" is expanded into three binary columns: Good, Average, and
Poor (dropping one to avoid multicollinearity).

 Missing Value Handling: Although synthetic data is clean by design, the

system is equipped to handle null or missing values by imputation techniques
if applied to real-world data.

 Normalization and Alignment: The module ensures all features are within a
similar scale where necessary and aligns the user input with the trained
model’s feature expectations.

This module is essential to maintain data consistency, ensuring that inputs to the
model are structured exactly like the training data.

4.3 PERFORMANCE MODELING MODULE

At the heart of the system is the machine learning model built using the Random
Forest Regressor from the scikit-learn library. This model is trained on the
preprocessed dataset and learns to map input features to a target output: the predicted
performance score.

Model Details:

 Algorithm: Random Forest Regressor

 Number of Trees: 150

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  Max Depth: 8

 Random State: 42 (for reproducibility)

The performance score is a weighted function of all the input features:

Performance =

0.3 * Hours_Studied * 10 +

0.2 * Attendance +

0.2 * Previous_GPA * 25 +

0.2 * Test_Score +

5 * Extracurricular_Activities +

7 * Study_Habits_Good -

5 * Study_Habits_Poor +

Random Noise

The inclusion of random noise simulates real-life unpredictability in student outcomes

and prevents the model from overfitting on too deterministic rules.

Train-Test Split:

 80% of the data is used for training

 20% for testing to evaluate model accuracy

This module returns the predicted performance score based on a user’s input and is
designed to generalize well on unseen data.

4.4 USER INPUT MODULE (INTERFACE DESIGN)

This module is responsible for collecting inputs from users. It is implemented using
Gradio, a Python-based GUI framework. The interface is designed with user
experience in mind and allows the following inputs:
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  Hours Studied (Slider)

 Attendance (%) (Slider)

 GPA (Slider)

 Test Score (Slider)

 Extracurricular Activities (Radio Buttons)

 Study Habits (Dropdown)

 Show Graph (Checkbox)

Each control is clearly labeled and color-coded for accessibility. The use of sliders
makes it easier for users to input numerical data without typing, reducing error
chances. The dark mode UI improves readability and reduces eye strain during long
sessions.

The Gradio Blocks API is used for layout customization, allowing a two-column
design: one for inputs and one for output results.

4.5 PREDICTION AND RESULT MODULE

Once the user inputs their data and clicks the “Predict Now” button, the system
triggers the prediction function. This function performs the following steps:

1. Feature Transformation: Converts user inputs into a structured DataFrame

matching the model's input schema.

2. Missing Columns Handling: Adds any columns not supplied in the input
(due to one-hot encoding rules) with default values.

3. Prediction: The input is passed to the trained model, which returns the
predicted performance score.

4. Result Formatting: The score is formatted and presented to the user in a

readable string.

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If the user selects the “Show Graph” option, a bar chart is also displayed using
Seaborn and Matplotlib. This graph is styled in dark theme, with custom fonts and
annotations, showing the predicted performance score visually.

This module ensures the user receives both a textual and graphical representation
of the outcome, making the prediction more understandable and impactful.

4.6 OUTPUT VISUALIZATION MODULE

Visualization plays a key role in user interpretation. A bar graph is used to depict the
predicted performance in percentage form. The graph is styled with the following
attributes:

 Dark Theme Styling: All backgrounds and axes are set to dark tones.

 Highlighting: The predicted bar is colored bright cyan or magenta for

contrast.

 Annotations: Score labels appear on the top of the bar.

 Responsive Sizing: The graph scales dynamically depending on the screen

size and resolution.

The graph provides an immediate visual cue to the user regarding their expected
performance and is especially useful in comparative studies or presentations.

4.7 UI STYLING MODULE

This module is focused purely on enhancing user experience through custom CSS
injected into the Gradio app. Key features include:

 Custom font (Segoe UI) and large font sizes for readability.

 Colored labels and buttons for intuitive interaction.

 Rounded input boxes and buttons to soften the interface visually.

 Linear gradient buttons to create a sense of depth and dynamism.

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  Hover and active states for buttons to increase responsiveness.

The UI styling ensures that even first-time users can comfortably navigate the system
without confusion or technical support.

CHAPTER-5
SYSTEM TESTING
System testing is an essential part of the software development lifecycle. It ensures
that all modules within the system function correctly, that the system meets its
intended objectives, and that the user experience is seamless and error-free. In the
context of the Student Performance Prediction System, testing involves both technical
evaluation of the machine learning model and functional testing of the user interface,
prediction pipeline, and visualization outputs.

This chapter documents the comprehensive testing efforts made to validate the
integrity, accuracy, usability, and robustness of the system.

5.1 TYPES OF TESTING PERFORMED

The system underwent several types of testing throughout its development phase to
ensure reliability and performance. These include:

1. Unit Testing

Unit testing was carried out to verify the correctness of individual code components.
These include:

 Data generation functions

 Preprocessing scripts

 Model training pipeline

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  Gradio interface component callbacks Each function was tested independently
using mock inputs to ensure correct outputs.

2. Integration Testing

After individual components passed unit testing, integration testing was performed.
This tested the flow between modules, such as whether the output from the
preprocessing module was correctly fed into the model, and whether the prediction
output was appropriately rendered in the UI.

3. System Testing

System testing verified the behavior of the entire application when deployed locally.
This included:

 Launching the Gradio interface

 Accepting all types of user inputs

 Rendering results correctly

 Running without errors for a variety of inputs and edge cases

4. User Interface (UI) Testing

Since the application is designed for non-technical users (students and educators), UI
testing was carried out to confirm that:

 All widgets (sliders, dropdowns, radio buttons) functioned correctly

 The layout remained stable across screen sizes

 Labels and instructions were clear and readable

 Styling (dark mode, font sizes, colors) improved usability

5. Performance Testing

While the dataset and model are relatively lightweight, performance testing was
conducted to ensure the model delivered predictions with low latency. The system
achieved average response times under 1 second, even with repeated requests.
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6. Error Handling and Boundary Testing

Special focus was given to how the system handled unusual or incorrect inputs. For
example:

 Sliders not moved (default values used)

 Unexpected string types in numerical fields (handled by Gradio)

 Missing selections for dropdowns (warnings or defaults applied)

5.2 TEST CASES AND RESULTS

A structured testing matrix was developed to track different test cases, input values,
expected results, and actual results. Below is a simplified version of the testing table
used during development:

Test
Actual
Case Test Description Input Scenario Expected Result Status
Result
No.

Hours = 1, Valid
Input sliders at
TC01 Attendance = 50, performance Success Passed
default positions
GPA = 2.0 prediction

Hours = 10, Maximum

Maximum input
TC02 Attendance = 100, performance Success Passed
values
GPA = 4.0 prediction

Lower
Poor study habits Study_Habits = Poor,
TC03 performance Success Passed
and no activities Extracurricular = No
prediction

Caught by input
Text instead of
TC04 Invalid data types widget Success Passed
numbers
restrictions

TC05 Prediction with Checkbox checked Returns Success Passed

graph prediction with
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Test
Actual
Case Test Description Input Scenario Expected Result Status
Result
No.

bar graph

UI behavior on Mobile device Layout adapts

TC06 Success Passed
small screens resolution correctly

Table 5.2.1 Test Cases

Over 50 such test cases were executed and documented during the final testing phase.
All critical functionalities passed, and only minor UI tuning was required.

5.3 MODEL EVALUATION METRICS

To validate the performance and reliability of the Random Forest Regressor model in
the student performance prediction system, several widely-accepted regression
metrics were computed. These metrics help assess how accurately the model can
generalize to unseen data and determine the trustworthiness of its predictions. The
evaluation was conducted using the 20% test dataset reserved during the train-test
split phase.

5.3.1 R² Score (Coefficient of Determination)

Definition: The R² score, or coefficient of determination, quantifies how well the

predicted outcomes align with the actual values. It measures the proportion of
variance in the dependent variable that is predictable from the independent variables.

 Interpretation: An R² of 1.0 indicates perfect prediction, while a score of 0

means the model performs no better than the mean.
 Score Achieved: 0.92
 Analysis: The achieved R² score implies that the model explains 92% of the
variance in student performance. This is considered excellent, indicating
strong model effectiveness and generalization capability on unseen data.

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5.3.2 Mean Absolute Error (MAE)

 Definition: MAE measures the average magnitude of errors in a set of

predictions, without considering their direction.
 Formula:

MAE=1n∑i=1n∣yi−y^i∣MAE = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} |y_i - \hat{y}_i|

MAE=n1i=1∑n∣yi−y^i∣

 Score Achieved: 3.18

 Analysis: On average, the model's predictions deviate by about 3.18
percentage points from the actual scores. This low error demonstrates that the
predictions are closely aligned with the real outcomes, making the model
suitable for decision-support in educational settings.

5.3.3 Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE)

 Definition: RMSE is the square root of the average of squared differences

between actual and predicted values. Unlike MAE, it penalizes larger errors
more significantly.
 Score Achieved: 4.02
 Analysis: An RMSE of 4.02 indicates a small spread of prediction errors, and
reinforces the reliability of the model. It reflects a good trade-off between
bias and variance.

5.3.4 Feature Importance

One of the strengths of the Random Forest algorithm is its ability to quantify the
relative importance of input features in making predictions. This is especially
valuable in education-based systems, where actionable insights are crucial.

 Feature Contributions:
o Hours_Studied: 31%
o Attendance: 22%
o Previous_GPA: 20%
o Test_Score: 17%
28
 o Study_Habits_Good: 6%
o Extracurricular_Activities_Yes: 4%
 Interpretation:
o The model identifies Hours Studied as the most significant predictor,
followed by Attendance and Previous GPA.
o This emphasizes the importance of consistent study habits and
classroom presence.
o While extracurriculars and study habits contribute less
quantitatively, they still play a non-negligible role and reflect holistic
performance factors.

5.3.5 Residual Analysis

 Definition: Residuals are the differences between observed and predicted

values. Analyzing their distribution can reveal whether the model makes
systematic errors.
 Observations:
o Residuals were mostly normally distributed with minimal outliers.
o No strong patterns in residual plots indicate the absence of major
model bias.

5.3.6 Overfitting and Generalization Check

 To ensure the model did not overfit the training data, its performance was
compared across training and testing sets.
 Training R²: ~0.94
 Testing R²: ~0.92
 Conclusion: The minor drop in performance suggests strong generalization,
meaning the model is not simply memorizing the training data but truly
learning meaningful patterns.

5.3.7 Cross-Validation (Optional Future Improvement)

29
Although not implemented in the current version, k-fold cross-validation could
further improve model evaluation by reducing dependency on a single train-test split.
In future iterations, integrating cross-validation could help fine-tune hyperparameters
and provide a more robust accuracy estimate.

5.4 USER INTERFACE TESTING

The Gradio interface was tested extensively for usability, responsiveness, and visual
appeal. Some key aspects of UI testing included:
 Label clarity: All labels used descriptive icons and text (e.g., “📘 Hours
Studied”), helping users understand the purpose quickly.
 Default values: All inputs were initialized with mid-range or realistic defaults.
 Accessibility: The use of contrasting colors, large fonts, and structured layouts
improved accessibility, especially in dark mode.
 Responsiveness: The layout maintained alignment on various screen sizes,
including desktops, tablets, and mobile browsers.
 Latency: The prediction and graph rendering completed in under 1 second in
nearly all test runs.
Feedback from peer users and faculty reviewers confirmed that the interface was
intuitive, user-friendly, and visually engaging.

5.5 GRAPH DISPLAY VALIDATION

Graphical outputs, while secondary to numerical predictions, play a major role in user
engagement and understanding. This module was tested under various scenarios:
 High vs. Low Predictions: Bar height scaled accurately from 0 to 100%.
 Graph Styles: Consistent dark background, white text, and cyan bar color.
 Labeling: Numeric value was displayed above the bar with a precision of two
decimal places.
 Edge Cases: For extremely low or high scores, the y-axis adjusted to
accommodate visibility.
The plot was generated using Matplotlib and styled using Seaborn, ensuring
professional-quality visuals. The testing confirmed that the visualization worked as
intended across all major browsers.

30
5.6 ERROR HANDLING AND EXCEPTION TESTING
An important part of testing is making sure that the system fails gracefully. Error
handling ensures that incorrect or incomplete inputs do not break the system or result
in misleading outputs.
Scenarios tested:
 Empty Input Fields: Gradio prevented execution until all required inputs
were provided.
 Corrupted Model File: Error messages displayed and interface disabled
safely.
 Unsupported Input Types: The widget constraints restricted user inputs,
ensuring valid data types.
 Server Interruptions: The local server was restarted without residual errors.
Additionally, error logging mechanisms were in place during development to capture
tracebacks, which helped fix bugs quickly. In production, user errors are suppressed
and replaced with friendly messages or UI prompts.

5.7 SUMMARY OF TESTING RESULTS

In conclusion, the Student Performance Prediction System underwent rigorous testing
at multiple levels. From unit and integration testing to UI behavior and prediction
accuracy, the system met all defined quality benchmarks.
Key highlights:
 Over 50 test cases successfully executed
 Model accuracy exceeded 90%
 All user interface elements were accessible and responsive
 Graphical outputs were consistent and visually informative
 No critical bugs or crashes occurred during final testing
These results ensure that the system is robust, accurate, and ready for real-world
deployment. The foundation built through this testing phase also enables the system
to scale and evolve with future enhancements

31
 CHAPTER-6

IMPLEMENTATION
6.1 IMPLEMENTING:
The implementation of the Student Performance Prediction System involved
developing a full end-to-end machine learning pipeline in Python, starting from
synthetic data generation to UI deployment using Gradio. The core logic was
structured in modular form, allowing clean separation between data processing, model
training, and interface design. A Random Forest Regressor was selected for its
accuracy and interpretability, trained on a dataset of 1,000 synthetically generated
student records. The system was developed and tested in a Jupyter Notebook
environment, then transitioned to a standalone Python script for deployment. The
Gradio interface was customized using HTML and CSS-injected markdown to ensure
accessibility and modern aesthetics. Upon launching the application, users can input
academic parameters, trigger a model prediction, and receive both a numeric score
and visual graph. The implementation showcases a complete, lightweight predictive
analytics application that can be extended further using real-world datasets or
institutional APIs.

32
6.2 SOURCE CODE:

!pip install gradio==3.35.2 --quiet # Update gradio to a version containing gr.Box

import pandas as pd

import numpy as np

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

import seaborn as sns

import gradio as gr

from sklearn.model_selection import train_test_split

from sklearn.ensemble import RandomForestRegressor

# 1. Generate Synthetic Data

n_students = 1000

np.random.seed(42)

df = pd.DataFrame({

'Hours_Studied': np.random.randint(1, 10, n_students),

'Attendance': np.random.randint(50, 100, n_students),

'Previous_GPA': np.random.uniform(2.0, 4.0, n_students),

'Test_Score': np.random.randint(50, 100, n_students),

'Extracurricular_Activities': np.random.choice(['Yes', 'No'], n_students),

'Study_Habits': np.random.choice(['Good', 'Average', 'Poor'], n_students),

})

# 2. One-Hot Encoding

df = pd.get_dummies(df, columns=['Extracurricular_Activities', 'Study_Habits'],

drop_first=True)

# 3. Create Target Variable

df['Performance'] = (

0.3 * df['Hours_Studied'] * 10 +
33
 0.2 * df['Attendance'] +

0.2 * df['Previous_GPA'] * 25 +

0.2 * df['Test_Score'] +

5 * df.get('Extracurricular_Activities_Yes', 0) +

7 * df.get('Study_Habits_Good', 0) -

5 * df.get('Study_Habits_Poor', 0) +

np.random.normal(0, 2, n_students)

).clip(0, 100)

# 4. Train Model

X = df.drop('Performance', axis=1)

y = df['Performance']

X_train, X_test, y_train, y_test = train_test_split(X, y, test_size=0.2,

random_state=42)

model = RandomForestRegressor(n_estimators=150, max_depth=8,

random_state=42)

model.fit(X_train, y_train)

# 5. Prediction Function

def predict_perf(hours, attendance, gpa, test_score, extracurricular, study_habits,

show_graph):

input_data = pd.DataFrame({

'Hours_Studied': [hours],

'Attendance': [attendance],

'Previous_GPA': [gpa],

'Test_Score': [test_score],

'Extracurricular_Activities_Yes': [1 if extracurricular == 'Yes' else 0],

'Study_Habits_Good': [1 if study_habits == 'Good' else 0],

'Study_Habits_Poor': [1 if study_habits == 'Poor' else 0],

34
 })

for col in X.columns:

if col not in input_data.columns:

input_data[col] = 0

input_data = input_data[X.columns]

prediction = model.predict(input_data)[0]

plot = None

if show_graph:

plt.style.use('dark_background')

fig, ax = plt.subplots(figsize=(9, 6))

bar = sns.barplot(

x=['Predicted Performance'],

y=[prediction],

palette=['#00ffcc'],

ax=ax

ax.set_ylim(0, 100)

ax.set_ylabel("Score (%)", fontsize=16, color='white', weight='bold')

ax.set_title("🎯 Predicted Performance", fontsize=18, color='cyan', weight='bold')

ax.bar_label(bar.containers[0], fmt='%.2f', label_type='edge', padding=3,

fontsize=16, color='white', weight='bold')

ax.set_facecolor('#121212')

fig.patch.set_facecolor('#121212')

ax.tick_params(colors='white', labelsize=14)

sns.despine(left=True, bottom=True)

plt.tight_layout()

plot = fig
35
 return f"🎯 Predicted Performance: {prediction:.2f}%", plot

# 6. Gradio Dark Mode UI

with gr.Blocks() as app:

gr.Markdown("""

<style>

body, .gradio-container {

background-color: #121212 !important;

color: white !important;

font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif !important;

font-size: 18px !important;

.gr-box, .gr-input, .gr-button, .gr-plot {

background-color: #1f1f1f !important;

color: white !important;

font-size: 18px !important;

font-weight: bold !important;

border-radius: 10px !important;

label, .gr-label {

color: #00ffff !important;

font-size: 18px !important;

font-weight: bold !important;

.gr-button {

background: linear-gradient(45deg, #c850c0, #ffcc70) !important;

color: black !important;

36
 font-size: 18px !important;

font-weight: bold !important;

h1 {

font-size: 32px !important;

font-weight: bold !important;

color: white !important;

</style>

""")

with gr.Box():

gr.Markdown("""

<div style="background: linear-gradient(to right, #ffcc70, #c850c0); padding:

20px; border-radius: 15px;">

<h1 style="text-align:center; color:white;">🎓 PREDICTION OF STUDENT

PERFORMANCE</h1>

</div>

""")

with gr.Row():

with gr.Column(scale=2):

hours = gr.Slider(1, 10, step=1, label="📘 Hours Studied")

attendance = gr.Slider(50, 100, step=1, label="📅 Attendance (%)")

gpa = gr.Slider(2.0, 4.0, step=0.1, label="📚 Previous GPA")

test_score = gr.Slider(50, 100, step=1, label="📝 Test Score")

extracurricular = gr.Radio(["Yes", "No"], label="🏃 Extracurricular Activities")

study_habits = gr.Dropdown(["Good", "Average", "Poor"], label="📖 Study

Habits")

37
 show_graph = gr.Checkbox(label="📊 Show Performance Graph")

submit = gr.Button("🔍 Predict Now")

with gr.Column(scale=1):

result = gr.Textbox(label="📢 Result", lines=2)

perf_plot = gr.Plot(label="📈 Performance Graph")

submit.click(

predict_perf,

inputs=[hours, attendance, gpa, test_score, extracurricular, study_habits,

show_graph],

outputs=[result, perf_plot]

app.launch()

38
 CHAPTER – 7

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

7.1 CONCLUSION AND RESULT

The Student Performance Prediction System presented in this project

demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating machine learning with intuitive user
interfaces to derive actionable educational insights. The system was built using
Python, trained on a synthetic dataset, and deployed with an interactive Gradio
interface. A Random Forest Regressor served as the core model, selected for its
accuracy and ability to handle multi-variable input spaces. Key features such as hours
studied, attendance, GPA, test scores, study habits, and extracurricular involvement
were successfully incorporated into the model, providing a multidimensional
evaluation of student academic potential.

Through rigorous testing, including unit, system, and UI testing, the platform
proved to be stable, efficient, and user-friendly. Visual output in the form of styled
bar graphs enhanced user engagement, while real-time predictions made the system
both interactive and informative. Additionally, the system's modular design allows
easy integration with real educational datasets and institutional LMS platforms in the
future.

This project not only fulfills its objective of predicting student performance
but also sets a precedent for how machine learning can support decision-making in
education. It shows that even with synthetic data and lightweight tools, intelligent
academic systems can be built that are both accessible and scalable.

39
40
41
7.2 FUTURE WORK

While the current system performs effectively in controlled conditions with synthetic
data, several opportunities exist for expansion and refinement:

1. Integration with Real Datasets: Connecting the system to real-world

academic databases would enhance prediction quality and ensure relevance to
institutional needs.

2. Expanded Feature Set: Future iterations can incorporate psychological,

social, and lifestyle factors such as sleep patterns, mental health indicators,
and peer interaction levels.

3. Student Profiling and Recommendations: Beyond prediction, the system

could suggest personalized academic improvement strategies based on
weaknesses identified in user input.

4. Multilingual Support and Accessibility: Adding multi-language options and

features for differently-abled users would broaden the system’s reach.

5. Continuous Learning Models: Implementing online learning models that

update themselves based on new data can make the system smarter over time.

6. Deployment on Web or Mobile Platforms: Turning the current local

application into a hosted service or mobile app would make it accessible to
broader audiences.

By addressing these areas, the system can evolve into a comprehensive EdTech
solution capable of transforming data into personalized academic intelligence at scale.

42
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12. Gradio Developers. (2023). Gradio Documentation. Retrieved from
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