Free-text exercises ask learners to answer open questions in their own words instead of ticking a box. An AI then automatically analyzes and grades the answers they write. This format deepens understanding and builds critical thinking.
In this article, we show you some best practices for creating free-text exercises with the Exercise Creator:
Step 1: Best practices for the question and sample solution
Action-oriented exercises
Use verbs that show a clear action. Instead of "What is ...?" or "Why is ...?", use "Describe ...", "Explain ..." or "Name ...". This helps learners understand what is expected from their answer.
Do this: | "Describe the main functions of the cardiovascular system." |
Don't do this: | "What is the cardiovascular system?" |
Clear scope and expectations
The more open and complex an exercise is, the harder it is for learners to understand. Clearly state the scope of the question and the expected answer. This lets learners focus on the relevant information and avoids misunderstandings.
Do this: | "Explain the effects of globalization on the job market in Germany." |
Don't do this: | "Discuss globalization." |
Scaffolding
Consider whether you can break the exercise down into several sub-steps to give learners some guidance. This is especially helpful for complex topics.
Do this: | "Analyze the causes of climate change. Address both natural and anthropogenic factors." |
Don't do this: | "Explain climate change." |
Alignment with the solution requirements
The question should match the solution requirements exactly. Learners should know as precisely as possible what is expected of them.
Do this: | Question: "Name three important events that led to the French Revolution." Solution requirements: "Naming the three events with the correct year." |
Don't do this: | Question: "Describe the French Revolution." Solution requirements: "Naming the three most important events." |
Step 2: Best practices for grading criteria
Sample solution
Provide one or more sample solutions. This lets us align the grading with your expectations.
Do this: | Sample solution: "The three most important events were the storming of the Bastille (1789), the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789), and the execution of Louis XVI (1793)." |
Don't do this: | No sample solution. |
Information for grading the answers
Define clearly which aspects of the answer are graded. State whether certain terms must be mentioned, whether a specific wording is required, or whether a certain order must be followed.
Do this: | "Give 1 point for naming each event. Give an additional point for the correct year." |
Don't do this: | "Grade the relevance of the events named." |
Precise wording of the grading criteria
Word the grading criteria as precisely as possible. Instead of using vague wording, state exactly what earns how many points.
Do this: | "Give one point for each correct mention of a symptom of the disease. Give another point if the description of the symptom is correct." |
Don't do this: | "Give one point if the user correctly describes the symptoms of the disease." (There is no precise definition of what "correctly" means.) |
Precise wording
Make sure the solution requirements are worded precisely and unambiguously. This helps avoid misunderstandings when the answers are graded.
Do this: | "The student should name the three phases of the cell cycle and briefly explain each one." |
Don't do this: | "Describe the cell cycle." (too vague) |
Step 3: Test the question yourself!
It is essential to test the solution requirements thoroughly. If you get poor feedback from the AI, the solution requirements probably need to be revised. In that case, use the tips above to refine them further and make sure the AI can grade learners' answers correctly.
What formatting should I follow for a successful upload?
What formatting should I follow for a successful upload?
Size: < 5MB, max. 30 pages/30,000 characters
Quality: High resolution, good contrast, created on a computer (no scans)
Layout: Simple, clear separation of text and images
Exercises: Clear separation of question and answer; state solutions and points directly with the question