Hierarchical Aggregation of Local Explanations for Student Adaptability
Leonard Chukwualuka Nnadi, Yutaka Watanobe · Applied Sciences · 2025
In this study, we present Hierarchical Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (H-LIME), an innovative extension of the LIME technique that provides interpretable machine learning insights across multiple levels of data hierarchy. While traditional local explanation methods focus on instance-level attributions, they often overlook systemic patterns embedded within educational structures. To address this limitation, H-LIME aggregates local explanations across hierarchical layers, Institution Type, Location, and Educational Level, thereby linking individual predictions to broader, policy-relevant trends. We evaluate H-LIME on a student adaptability dataset using a Random Forest model chosen for its superior explanation stability (approximately 4.5 times more stable than Decision Trees). The framework uncovers consistent global predictors of adaptability, such as education level and class duration, while revealing subgroup-specific factors, including network type and financial condition, whose influence varies across hierarchical contexts. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of H-LIME at uncovering multi-level patterns in educational data and its potential for supporting targeted interventions, strategic planning, and evidence-based decision-making. Beyond education, the hierarchical approach offers a scalable solution for enhancing interpretability in domains where structured data relationships are essential.