Creating a short answer question

Let’s create a short answer question using Learning Lemur! In this walkthrough, we will build an opened ended question. To start, we’ll create a static question, meaning all students will see the same numbers. Our mathematical engine will handle the answer validation. By the end of this guide, you’ll also learn how to create randomized questions that offer unlimited practice opportunities for students.

Getting started

We’ll start with a simple math question—asking students to add two fractions.

1. Add a Title [Optional]

If you want, you can give your question a title to help organize your content. While this is optional, it can be useful for categorization and easy reference.

2. Write the Problem Statement

Now, let’s define the question that students will see. 

Additionally, you can:

• Use random variables to generate different values for each student.

3. Define the Correct Answer

You need to input the correct response that students are expected to provide.

Additionally, you can: 

• Add alternative correct or partially correct responses to account for different valid answers. 
• Provide specific feedback based on the student’s response. 
• Set evaluation criteria, such as allowing equivalent forms, simplifications, or decimal tolerance. 

4. Preview the Question & Save Changes

Before finalizing, it’s good practice to preview your question:

• Click “Preview” to see how the question will appear to students. 
• Test different answers to ensure they are properly recognized.

Adding Additional Validations

In the previous section, we created a question that asks students to add two fractions. Now, we’ll refine the question by ensuring that students submit their answers in the simplest form using validation options.

1. Adjust the Problem Statement

To guide students toward providing a simplified answer, update the question statement to explicitly instruct them to simplify their answer.

2. Adjust the Evaluation Options

To enforce answer simplification:

1. Open the "Evaluation Options" menu.
2. Select “Simplified” to require students to submit the reduced form of the fraction.
3. [Optional] Disable “Allow Decimal Numbers” to ensure students answer with a fraction instead of a decimal representation.

3. Test Your Changes

Preview the question and test different possible answers:

✅ Correct: 3/2 (simplified form)
❌ Incorrect: 6/4 (not simplified)
❌ Incorrect: 1.5 (decimal format)

Adding Customized Feedback and Partial Grades

Now that the system only accepts simplified answers, we want to ensure students who correctly add the fractions but forget to simplify still receive partial credit. Additionally, we’ll provide custom feedback to guide them toward the correct answer.

1. Add a New Answer

1. Click on “Add Answer” to create an alternative response.
2. Set the answer value to 3/2 (same as the correct answer).
3. Do not enable the “Simplified” evaluation option—this will allow the system to accept mathematically correct answers in any form (e.g., 6/4).

2. Assign a Partial Grade

1. Select “Partially Correct Answer” for this response.
2. Decide the percentage of the total grade to award students who provide an unsimplified answer (e.g., 6/4).

3. Set Custom Feedback

1. Enable custom feedback for this answer.
2. Provide a message that reminds students to simplify their answer before submitting.
   • Example: "Your answer is mathematically correct, but remember to simplify fractions to their lowest terms!"

4. Test Your Changes

Preview the question and test different possible answers:

✅ Full Credit: 3/2 (correct and simplified)
➖ Partial Credit: 6/4 (correct but not simplified)
❌ Incorrect: 1 (wrong mathematical result)

Adding random variables for infinite practice

One of the most powerful features of Learning Lemur is random variables! With this feature, you can:

• Allow students to practice infinitely until they master a concept.
• Ensure each student sees a unique version of the question in an exam to prevent cheating.

1. Define Random Numbers

1. Open the “Random Variables” panel.
2. Define four random integers to represent the numerators and denominators:
   • num1 and den1 (first fraction)
   • num2 and den2 (second fraction)
3. Set all values to be random integers between 2 and 5.

2. Define the Solution

Random numbers provide variation, but we need to compute the correct answer dynamically. To do this:

1. Define a random expression named sol.
2. Set sol as the sum of the fractions using the random variables.

3. Adjust the Statement and Answers

Edit the question statement to use the new random variables.

4. Test Your Question

1. Preview the question.
2. Click “Regenerate” to see different versions appear with new values each time.