Free-text exercises ask learners to answer open questions in their own words instead of ticking a box. The answers they write are then automatically analyzed and graded by an AI. This format deepens understanding and trains 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 better understand what is expected in the answer.
What to do: | "Describe the main functions of the cardiovascular system." |
What not to do: | "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 define the scope of the question and the expected answer. That way, learners can focus on the relevant information and avoid misunderstandings.
What to do: | "Explain the effects of globalization on the labor market in Germany." |
What not to do: | "Discuss globalization." |
Scaffolding
Consider whether you can break the exercise into several smaller steps to give learners support. This is especially helpful for complex topics.
What to do: | "Analyze the causes of climate change. Address both natural and human-caused factors." |
What not to do: | "Explain climate change." |
Alignment with the solution requirement
The question should match the solution requirement exactly. Learners should know as precisely as possible what is expected of them.
What to do: | Question: "Name three important events that led to the French Revolution." Solution requirement: "Naming the three events with the correct year." |
What not to do: | Question: "Describe the French Revolution." Solution requirement: "Naming the three most important events." |
Step 2: Best practices for grading criteria
Sample solution
Provide one or more sample solutions. This allows us to align the grading with your expectations
What to do: | 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)." |
What not to do: | No sample solution. |
Information on grading the answers
Clearly define which aspects of the answer are graded. Specify whether certain terms must be mentioned, whether specific wording is required, or whether a certain order must be followed.
What to do: | "Award 1 point for naming each event. Award an additional point for the correct year." |
What not to do: | "Assess 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 is worth how many points.
What to do: | "Award one point for each correctly named symptom of the disease. Award another point if the description of the symptom is correct." |
What not to do: | "Award one point if the user correctly describes the symptoms of the disease." (There is no precise definition of what "correct" means.) |
Precise wording
Make sure the solution requirement is worded precisely and unambiguously. This helps avoid misunderstandings when grading the answers.
What to do: | "The student should name the three phases of the cell cycle and briefly explain each one." |
What not to do: | "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, with a clear separation of text and images
Exercises: Clearly separate question and answer, and state solutions and points directly with the question