PulseLMS Question Bank and Quiz Documentation¶

Complete Guide to Creating, Managing, and Deploying Assessments¶

Version: 4.5 Last Updated: January 2026 Document ID: PULSE-QUIZ-023

Table of Contents¶

Introduction to Assessment in PulseLMS
Question Bank Overview
Question Bank Organization
Question Categories
Question Types Overview
Multiple Choice Questions
True/False Questions
Matching Questions
Short Answer Questions
Essay Questions
Numerical Questions
Calculated Questions
Calculated Multichoice Questions
Calculated Simple Questions
Drag and Drop Questions
Select Missing Words
Embedded Answers (Cloze)
All or Nothing Multiple Choice
Description (Non-Question)
Random Short-Answer Matching
Quiz Activity Overview
Creating a Quiz
Quiz Settings
Adding Questions to Quizzes
Random Questions
Quiz Navigation and Layout
Quiz Attempt Settings
Quiz Review Options
Quiz Reports
Quiz Statistics
Manual Grading
Question Import/Export
GIFT Format
Aiken Format
XML Format
Question Version Control
Question Bank Sharing
Best Practices
Troubleshooting

Introduction to Assessment in PulseLMS¶

Overview¶

PulseLMS provides a comprehensive assessment system designed to support diverse testing needs. The system consists of two main components:

Question Bank: Central repository for storing, organizing, and managing questions
Quiz Activity: Delivery mechanism for presenting questions to students

Key Features¶

The PulseLMS assessment system offers:

Diverse Question Types: Over 15 question types for varied assessment
Hierarchical Organization: Categories for logical question grouping
Random Question Selection: Draw from pools for unique quizzes
Adaptive Delivery: Control timing, attempts, and navigation
Detailed Analytics: Comprehensive statistics and reports
Import/Export: Share questions across systems
Version Control: Track question changes over time

Assessment Philosophy¶

The system supports multiple assessment approaches:

Formative Assessment: Low-stakes practice and feedback
Summative Assessment: High-stakes final evaluations
Diagnostic Assessment: Pre-testing to identify gaps
Self-Assessment: Student-driven review and practice

Access and Permissions¶

Role	Capabilities
Administrator	Full system configuration
Manager	Question bank management across courses
Teacher	Create, edit, preview questions and quizzes
Non-editing Teacher	View questions, limited editing
Student	Attempt quizzes, view permitted results

Question Bank Overview¶

Understanding the Question Bank¶

The Question Bank is the central repository for all assessment questions. It provides:

Centralized storage for reusable questions
Organization through categories
Version tracking for question edits
Sharing capabilities across courses
Statistical analysis of question performance

Accessing the Question Bank¶

Navigate to your course
Click Question bank in the course menu
Or access via Course administration > Question bank

Question Bank Interface¶

The main interface displays:

+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Question Bank                                        [Create +]  |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Category: [Default for Course ▼]    Questions: 45                |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [Checkbox] | Question Name           | Type    | Status | Actions|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [ ]        | What is photosynthesis  | MC      | Ready  | ⚙️ 🔍 📋 |
| [ ]        | Calculate force example | Calc    | Draft  | ⚙️ 🔍 📋 |
| [ ]        | Match capitals to...    | Match   | Ready  | ⚙️ 🔍 📋 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| < Previous  |  Page 1 of 5  |  Next >                            |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+

Question Bank Views¶

Questions View¶

Default view showing all questions in selected category.

Categories View¶

Manage category structure and organization.

Import View¶

Import questions from external files.

Export View¶

Export questions to various formats.

Question Status¶

Questions can have different statuses:

Status	Description
Draft	Work in progress, not ready for use
Ready	Complete and available for quizzes
Hidden	Not visible in selection lists

Bulk Actions¶

Select multiple questions for bulk operations: - Move to category - Delete questions - Export selected - Duplicate questions

Question Bank Organization¶

Organizational Strategy¶

Effective organization is crucial for: - Easy question retrieval - Efficient quiz building - Collaborative question development - Long-term maintenance

Recommended Structures¶

By Topic/Chapter¶

Course Question Bank
├── Chapter 1: Introduction
│   ├── 1.1 Basic Concepts
│   ├── 1.2 Terminology
│   └── 1.3 Historical Overview
├── Chapter 2: Core Principles
│   ├── 2.1 Principle One
│   ├── 2.2 Principle Two
│   └── 2.3 Applications
└── Chapter 3: Advanced Topics
    ├── 3.1 Complex Analysis
    └── 3.2 Case Studies

By Difficulty Level¶

Course Question Bank
├── Easy Questions (Recall)
├── Medium Questions (Application)
└── Hard Questions (Analysis)

By Learning Objective¶

Course Question Bank
├── LO1: Identify key components
├── LO2: Explain processes
├── LO3: Apply formulas
├── LO4: Analyze scenarios
└── LO5: Evaluate outcomes

By Assessment Type¶

Course Question Bank
├── Formative Practice
│   ├── Self-Check Questions
│   └── Concept Checks
├── Quizzes
│   ├── Weekly Quiz Questions
│   └── Review Questions
└── Exams
    ├── Midterm Questions
    └── Final Exam Questions

Naming Conventions¶

Adopt consistent naming for questions:

Format 1: Topic-Type-Number

Ch3-MC-015: Photosynthesis process
Ch3-SA-008: Define chlorophyll
Ch3-Essay-002: Compare plant types

Format 2: Learning Objective Based

LO2.1-Apply-MC: Calculate velocity
LO2.1-Apply-Calc: Physics formula
LO3.2-Analyze-Essay: Case analysis

Format 3: Descriptive

Multiple Choice: Identifying cell organelles
Short Answer: Mitosis phases definition
Calculation: Force and acceleration problems

Tags and Metadata¶

Use question tags for additional organization: - Topic tags - Difficulty tags - Learning outcome tags - Source/author tags

Question Categories¶

Understanding Categories¶

Categories are containers for organizing questions: - Hierarchical structure (nested categories) - Course-specific or shared - Control question access - Enable random selection

Default Categories¶

Each course has automatic categories:

Category	Description
Top	Root category (usually empty)
Default for [Course]	Main course category

Creating Categories¶

Navigate to Question bank > Categories
Scroll to Add category
Enter settings:

Category Settings¶

Parent category: Where this category belongs

Options:
- Top (course level)
- Another existing category
- System/shared contexts

Name: Descriptive category name

Examples:
- "Unit 1: Cell Biology"
- "Easy Multiple Choice"
- "Final Exam Pool"

Category info: Description of contents

Example: "Questions covering cellular structure,
organelles, and basic cell functions. Suitable
for introductory biology courses."

ID number: Optional unique identifier for external reference

Managing Categories¶

Editing Categories¶

Click Edit (gear icon) next to category
Modify name, parent, or description
Save changes

Moving Categories¶

Edit the category
Change parent category
All questions move with category

Deleting Categories¶

Click Delete (trash icon)
Choose what to do with questions:
Move to another category
Delete all questions

Warning: Deleting questions cannot be undone!

Category Hierarchy Example¶

Question Bank (Top)
├── Biology 101
│   ├── Unit 1: Cells
│   │   ├── Easy
│   │   ├── Medium
│   │   └── Hard
│   ├── Unit 2: Genetics
│   │   ├── Easy
│   │   ├── Medium
│   │   └── Hard
│   └── Practice Questions
│       ├── Weekly Reviews
│       └── Exam Prep
└── Shared Resources
    └── General Science

Categories can exist at different contexts:

Context	Scope	Access
Course	Single course	Course teachers
Category	Course category	All courses in category
System	Site-wide	All courses

Creating Shared Categories¶

Access Question bank with appropriate permissions
Select broader context in Parent dropdown
Create category at desired level
Configure sharing permissions

Question Types Overview¶

Available Question Types¶

PulseLMS supports numerous question types:

Objective Questions (Auto-Graded)¶

Type	Description	Best For
Multiple Choice	Select correct answer(s)	Knowledge recall
True/False	Binary choice	Fact verification
Matching	Pair items	Associations
Short Answer	Text response	Terminology
Numerical	Number response	Calculations
Calculated	Formula-based	Math/Science
Select Missing Words	Dropdown in text	Vocabulary
Drag and Drop	Interactive placement	Ordering/Labeling

Subjective Questions (Manual Grading)¶

Type	Description	Best For
Essay	Extended response	Critical thinking
Short Answer (partial)	When varied answers	Explanations

Question Type Selection Guide¶

Choose based on learning objective:

Learning Level	Recommended Types
Remember	MC, T/F, Matching
Understand	SA, MC with analysis
Apply	Calculated, Numerical
Analyze	Essay, Complex MC
Evaluate	Essay, Matching
Create	Essay

Common Question Elements¶

All question types share these elements:

Question Name¶

Internal identifier (not shown to students)

"Ch5-MC-12: Newton's Laws application"

Question Text¶

The actual question presented to students

"A 5kg object experiences a force of 20N.
What is its acceleration?"

Default Mark¶

Points for correct answer

1.0 (default), 2.0, 5.0, etc.

General Feedback¶

Shown after attempt is complete

"This question tests application of F=ma.
The correct approach is to divide force by mass."

ID Number¶

Optional external reference

"BIO101-Q-00145"

Tags¶

Organizational labels

"physics", "newton", "forces", "easy"

Multiple Choice Questions¶

Understanding Multiple Choice¶

Multiple choice questions offer: - One or more correct answers - Distractors (incorrect options) - Partial credit (optional) - Automatic grading - Detailed feedback per option

Creating a Multiple Choice Question¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select Multiple choice
Configure question settings

Question Configuration¶

General Section¶

Question name: Internal identifier

"Photosynthesis-MC-001"

Question text: The question itself (supports rich text, images, equations)

What is the primary product of photosynthesis?

[You can include images, diagrams, LaTeX equations]

Default mark: Points for correct answer

1 (single value, typically 1-10)

General feedback: Shown after completion

"Photosynthesis produces glucose (sugar) and oxygen
from carbon dioxide and water using light energy."

Answer Configuration¶

One or multiple answers? - One answer only: Single correct response - Multiple answers allowed: Select all that apply

Shuffle the choices? - Yes: Randomize option order - No: Keep defined order

Number the choices? - a., b., c., d. - A., B., C., D. - 1., 2., 3., 4. - i., ii., iii., iv. - No numbering

Answer Options¶

For each answer choice:

Choice 1:

Answer: Glucose (sugar)
Grade: 100%
Feedback: "Correct! Glucose is the primary energy-storing
molecule produced during photosynthesis."

Choice 2:

Answer: Carbon dioxide
Grade: None (0%)
Feedback: "Incorrect. Carbon dioxide is a reactant,
not a product of photosynthesis."

Choice 3:

Answer: Water
Grade: None (0%)
Feedback: "Incorrect. Water is also a reactant in
the photosynthesis process."

Choice 4:

Answer: Nitrogen
Grade: None (0%)
Feedback: "Incorrect. Nitrogen is not directly
involved in the photosynthesis process."

Partial Credit for Multiple Choice¶

For "multiple answers allowed" questions:

Positive Grades¶

Assign positive percentages to correct answers that should sum to 100%:

Correct Answer A: 50%
Correct Answer B: 50%

Negative Grades (Optional)¶

Penalize incorrect selections:

Wrong Answer C: -50%
Wrong Answer D: -50%

Example: Select All That Apply¶

Question: Which of the following are primary colors of light?

Red: 33.33%
Green: 33.33%
Blue: 33.33%
Yellow: -33.33%
Purple: -33.33%
Orange: -33.33%

Combined Feedback¶

Provide feedback based on correctness:

For any correct response:

"Well done! You correctly identified the answer."

For any partially correct response:

"You're on the right track but missed some options."

For any incorrect response:

"Review the chapter on this topic and try again."

Multiple Choice Best Practices¶

Clear stem: Question should be complete and unambiguous
Plausible distractors: Wrong answers should seem reasonable
Avoid "all of the above": Creates logical issues
Consistent grammar: All options should match grammatically
Random option order: Enable shuffling
Meaningful feedback: Explain why each option is right/wrong
Appropriate difficulty: Match to learning objectives

Example Complete Multiple Choice Question¶

Question Name: Ch3-MC-008: Cell membrane function

Question Text:
Which cellular structure is primarily responsible for
controlling what enters and exits the cell?

Default Mark: 1

General Feedback:
The cell membrane (plasma membrane) is a selectively
permeable barrier that regulates the passage of substances
into and out of the cell.

Answers:
A. Cell membrane (100%)
   Feedback: Correct! The cell membrane controls
   substance transport through various mechanisms.

B. Cell wall (0%)
   Feedback: Incorrect. The cell wall provides
   structural support but is not selectively permeable.

C. Nucleus (0%)
   Feedback: Incorrect. The nucleus contains genetic
   material but doesn't control cell entry/exit.

D. Mitochondria (0%)
   Feedback: Incorrect. Mitochondria produce energy
   but don't control substance transport.

Settings:
- One answer only
- Shuffle choices: Yes
- Numbering: a., b., c., d.

True/False Questions¶

Understanding True/False¶

True/False questions are: - Simple binary choice - Quick to answer - Auto-graded - Good for fact verification - Limited for higher-order thinking

Creating True/False Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select True/False
Configure settings

True/False Configuration¶

Question Settings¶

Question name: Internal identifier

"Biology-TF-015: Photosynthesis location"

Question text: Statement to evaluate

"Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts
of plant cells."

Default mark: Points (typically 1)

General feedback: Overall explanation

"Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site
of photosynthesis in plant cells."

Correct Answer¶

Select whether statement is True or False:

Correct answer: True

Specific Feedback¶

Feedback for True:

"Correct! Chloroplasts are specialized organelles
where photosynthesis takes place."

Feedback for False:

"Incorrect. Chloroplasts, not other organelles,
are the primary site of photosynthesis."

True/False Best Practices¶

Avoid absolutes: Words like "always," "never" are too easy
One concept per question: Don't combine multiple ideas
Avoid double negatives: Keep statements clear
Meaningful statements: Test important concepts
Balance true/false: Mix of correct true and false statements
Clear wording: Unambiguous statements

True/False Limitations¶

50% guessing probability
Limited assessment depth
Not ideal for complex concepts
Best used in combination with other types

Example True/False Questions¶

Example 1 (True):

Statement: "The Earth's atmosphere is approximately
78% nitrogen."
Correct: True
Feedback (True): "Correct! Nitrogen makes up about
78% of the atmosphere, oxygen about 21%."
Feedback (False): "Incorrect. Nitrogen is indeed the
most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere at 78%."

Example 2 (False):

Statement: "Sound waves can travel through a vacuum."
Correct: False
Feedback (True): "Incorrect. Sound requires a medium
(solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate."
Feedback (False): "Correct! Sound waves need particles
to transmit vibrations and cannot travel in a vacuum."

Matching Questions¶

Understanding Matching Questions¶

Matching questions ask students to: - Pair items from two lists - Connect related concepts - Demonstrate associations - Identify relationships

Creating Matching Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select Matching
Configure question pairs

Matching Configuration¶

Question Settings¶

Question name: Internal identifier

"History-Match-003: Historical Figures and Events"

Question text: Instructions for matching

"Match each historical figure with their most
significant achievement or event."

Default mark: Points for question

4 (one for each correct match)

General feedback: Overall explanation

"These historical figures shaped major events in
world history during the 20th century."

Shuffle: Randomize answer order

Yes (recommended)

Question/Answer Pairs¶

Define the matches:

Pair 1:

Question: Albert Einstein
Answer: Theory of Relativity

Pair 2:

Question: Marie Curie
Answer: Discovery of Radioactivity

Pair 3:

Question: Neil Armstrong
Answer: First Moon Landing

Pair 4:

Question: Martin Luther King Jr.
Answer: Civil Rights Movement

Extra Answers (Distractors)¶

Add incorrect answers to prevent process of elimination:

Distractor 1: Industrial Revolution
Distractor 2: Theory of Evolution
Distractor 3: Discovery of Penicillin

Matching Display¶

Students see two columns:

Question Side         |  Answer Dropdown
----------------------|-------------------
Albert Einstein       |  [Select answer ▼]
Marie Curie          |  [Select answer ▼]
Neil Armstrong       |  [Select answer ▼]
Martin Luther King   |  [Select answer ▼]

Available answers in dropdown:
- Theory of Relativity
- Discovery of Radioactivity
- First Moon Landing
- Civil Rights Movement
- Industrial Revolution
- Theory of Evolution
- Discovery of Penicillin

Scoring Matching Questions¶

Each correct match earns a fraction of total points:

Question worth 4 points, 4 pairs:
Each correct match = 1 point
3 correct = 3/4 = 75%
2 correct = 2/4 = 50%

Matching Best Practices¶

Homogeneous content: All pairs should relate to same topic
Plausible distractors: Extra answers should seem viable
Balanced length: Similar complexity for all items
3-6 pairs: Optimal range for most assessments
Clear relationships: Unambiguous connections
Extra answers: Add distractors to increase difficulty

Example Complete Matching Question¶

Question Name: Science-Match-012: Parts of a Cell

Question Text:
Match each cell organelle with its primary function.

Default Mark: 5

Pairs:
1. Nucleus → Controls cell activities and contains DNA
2. Mitochondria → Produces energy (ATP) for the cell
3. Ribosome → Synthesizes proteins
4. Cell membrane → Controls what enters and exits cell
5. Chloroplast → Site of photosynthesis (plants only)

Distractors:
- Stores genetic information (distractor)
- Breaks down waste products (distractor)
- Produces lipids (distractor)

General Feedback:
Each organelle has a specific function that contributes
to the overall functioning of the cell. Understanding
these functions is essential for cell biology.

Short Answer Questions¶

Understanding Short Answer¶

Short answer questions require: - Typed text responses - Exact or pattern matching - Multiple acceptable answers possible - Automatic or manual grading

Creating Short Answer Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select Short answer
Configure answers and matching

Short Answer Configuration¶

Question Settings¶

Question name: Internal identifier

"Biology-SA-008: Cell division term"

Question text: The question

"What is the process called by which a single cell
divides to produce two identical daughter cells?"

Default mark: Points for correct answer

General feedback: Explanation

"Mitosis is the process of cell division that results
in two genetically identical daughter cells."

Case Sensitivity¶

Case sensitivity: How to handle capitalization

Options:
- No, case is unimportant (recommended for most)
- Yes, case must match

Answer Configuration¶

Define acceptable answers:

Answer 1:

Answer: mitosis
Grade: 100%
Feedback: "Correct! Mitosis produces identical daughter cells."

Answer 2 (alternative):

Answer: Mitosis
Grade: 100%
Feedback: "Correct! Mitosis produces identical daughter cells."

Answer 3 (partial credit):

Answer: cell division
Grade: 50%
Feedback: "Partially correct. 'Mitosis' is the specific
term for this type of cell division."

Using Wildcards¶

Wildcards allow flexible matching:

Asterisk (*) - Multiple characters:

Answer: photo*
Matches: photosynthesis, photo, photograph

Question mark (?) - Single character:

Answer: colo?r
Matches: color, colour

Combined wildcards:

Answer: *chloro*
Matches: chlorophyll, chloroplast, chloroform

Multiple Acceptable Answers¶

Accept variations:

Answer 1: mitosis (100%)
Answer 2: Mitosis (100%)
Answer 3: mitotic division (100%)
Answer 4: cell mitosis (75%)
Answer 5: * mitosis * (100%) [with wildcards]

Short Answer Limitations¶

Spelling sensitivity issues
Unexpected correct answers may be marked wrong
Difficulty with complex responses
May require manual review

Short Answer Best Practices¶

Anticipate variations: Include common misspellings
Use wildcards carefully: Test matching patterns
Clear expectations: Specify answer format
Short responses: Keep expected answers brief
Consider case sensitivity: Usually turn off
Review responses: Check for valid unmarked answers

Example Short Answer Question¶

Question Name: Geography-SA-021: Capital of France

Question Text:
What is the capital city of France?
(Enter the city name only)

Default Mark: 1

Case Sensitivity: No, case is unimportant

Answers:
1. Paris (100%)
   Feedback: "Correct! Paris is the capital and largest
   city of France."

2. paris (100%)
   Feedback: "Correct! Paris is the capital of France."

3. Paree (50%)
   Feedback: "You mean Paris. This phonetic spelling
   shows you know the answer."

General Feedback:
Paris, located on the Seine River, has been the
capital of France for over a thousand years.

Essay Questions¶

Understanding Essay Questions¶

Essay questions: - Require extended written responses - Test higher-order thinking - Require manual grading - Allow file attachments - Support rich text responses

Creating Essay Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select Essay
Configure response options

Essay Configuration¶

Question Settings¶

Question name: Internal identifier

"History-Essay-004: Industrial Revolution Impact"

Question text: Essay prompt

"Analyze the social and economic impacts of the
Industrial Revolution on European society. Your
response should address:

1. Changes in working conditions
2. Urbanization effects
3. Class structure transformations
4. Long-term societal changes

Support your analysis with specific examples and
historical evidence."

Default mark: Maximum points

General feedback: Shown after grading

"A comprehensive answer would address technological
innovations, labor conditions, urban growth, social
mobility, and lasting cultural changes."

Response Options¶

Response format: What students can include

Options:
- HTML editor: Rich text formatting
- HTML editor with file picker: Add images
- Plain text: No formatting
- Plain text, monospaced: Code-friendly
- No online text: File submission only

Require text: Is text response mandatory?

Options:
- Require text response
- Text input is optional

Input box size: Initial size of text area

Options: 5 lines, 10 lines, 15 lines, 20 lines, 25 lines, 30 lines, 40 lines

Allow attachments: Let students upload files

Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, or unlimited

Require attachments: Mandate file uploads

Options: 0 (optional) through maximum allowed

Accepted file types: Limit file formats

Examples: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt

Response Template¶

Pre-populate the answer box:

Structure your response as follows:

Introduction:
[Your introduction here]

Body Paragraph 1 - Working Conditions:
[Your analysis here]

Body Paragraph 2 - Urbanization:
[Your analysis here]

Body Paragraph 3 - Class Structure:
[Your analysis here]

Conclusion:
[Your conclusion here]

Grader Information¶

Information for graders: Notes for manual grading

"Look for:
- At least 3 specific historical examples
- Understanding of cause and effect
- Critical analysis beyond description
- Proper citation of sources
- Clear organization and thesis

Deduct points for:
- Factual errors
- Unsupported claims
- Poor organization
- Grammar/spelling issues (minor deductions)"

Essay Grading¶

Essays require manual grading:

Access quiz attempts
Click Manual grading
Review student response
Enter score (0 to maximum)
Provide feedback
Save grade

Essay Best Practices¶

Clear prompts: Specific, focused questions
Scoring criteria: Define what constitutes success
Word limits: Provide guidance on length
Response template: Structure expectations
Grading rubric: Use consistent criteria
Timely feedback: Grade promptly

Example Essay Question¶

Question Name: Literature-Essay-011: Character Analysis

Question Text:
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," analyze the character
development of Scout Finch throughout the novel.

Your essay should:
- Identify key events that shape Scout's growth
- Analyze how Scout's perspective changes
- Discuss the themes her development illustrates
- Use specific textual evidence (at least 3 quotes)

Length: 500-750 words

Default Mark: 25

Response Format: HTML editor
Input Box Size: 20 lines
Allow Attachments: 1
Accepted File Types: .pdf, .doc, .docx

Grader Information:
Excellent (22-25): Insightful analysis with strong
evidence and clear thesis
Good (18-21): Solid analysis with adequate support
Satisfactory (14-17): Basic analysis, limited evidence
Needs Improvement (10-13): Incomplete or superficial
Unsatisfactory (0-9): Missing key elements or off-topic

Numerical Questions¶

Understanding Numerical Questions¶

Numerical questions: - Accept number responses - Include error tolerance - Support different units - Auto-grade within range - Useful for calculations

Creating Numerical Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select Numerical
Configure answers and tolerances

Numerical Configuration¶

Question Settings¶

Question name: Internal identifier

"Physics-Num-015: Force calculation"

Question text: The problem

"A car with a mass of 1500 kg accelerates at
2.5 m/s². Calculate the force applied to the car."

Enter your answer in Newtons (N).

Default mark: Points

General feedback: Explanation

"Using F = ma:
F = 1500 kg × 2.5 m/s²
F = 3750 N"

Answer Configuration¶

Define correct answers with tolerance:

Answer 1:

Answer: 3750
Error: 0 (exact match)
Grade: 100%
Feedback: "Correct! F = ma = 1500 × 2.5 = 3750 N"

Answer 2 (with tolerance):

Answer: 3750
Error: 1 (allows 3749-3751)
Grade: 100%
Feedback: "Correct!"

Error Tolerance Types¶

Nominal (Absolute) Error¶

Answer: 100
Error: 5
Accepts: 95 to 105

Relative Error (Percentage)¶

Answer: 100
Error: 5%
Accepts: 95 to 105 (5% of 100)

Geometric Error¶

Answer: 100
Error: 10
Accepts: values where answer/error ≤ response ≤ answer×error

Unit Handling¶

Configure unit requirements:

Unit handling options: - The unit must be given, and will be graded - The unit must be given, but not graded - The unit is optional (if given, it will be graded) - Units are not expected

Defining units:

Unit 1: N (Multiplier: 1.0)
Unit 2: kN (Multiplier: 0.001)
Unit 3: newtons (Multiplier: 1.0)

Multiple Acceptable Answers¶

For questions with multiple valid answers:

Answer 1: 3750 (100%, tolerance 0)
Answer 2: 3.75 (100%, tolerance 0) [if kN accepted]
Answer 3: 3700 (50%, tolerance 100) [partial credit for close answers]

Numerical Best Practices¶

Clear units: Specify expected units
Appropriate tolerance: Account for rounding
Step-by-step feedback: Show solution method
Partial credit: Consider near-correct answers
Significant figures: Address precision expectations

Example Numerical Question¶

Question Name: Chemistry-Num-008: Molarity Calculation

Question Text:
A solution contains 58.5 grams of NaCl dissolved
in 500 mL of water. Calculate the molarity of
the solution.

Molar mass of NaCl = 58.5 g/mol

Enter your answer in mol/L (M).

Default Mark: 2

Answers:
1. Answer: 2
   Error: 0.01
   Grade: 100%
   Feedback: "Correct!
   Moles = 58.5g ÷ 58.5 g/mol = 1 mol
   Volume = 500mL = 0.5L
   Molarity = 1 mol ÷ 0.5L = 2M"

2. Answer: 2
   Error: 0.1
   Grade: 75%
   Feedback: "Close! Check your calculation."

3. Answer: 1
   Error: 0.01
   Grade: 50%
   Feedback: "Incorrect. Remember to convert mL to L."

Unit Handling: Optional, graded
Units: M, mol/L, molar

Calculated Questions¶

Understanding Calculated Questions¶

Calculated questions: - Generate unique number values per student - Use formulas for correct answers - Pull from defined datasets - Prevent answer sharing - Test application of formulas

Calculated Question Components¶

Question template: Text with variable placeholders
Variables: Defined ranges for random values
Formula: Calculation for correct answer
Datasets: Sets of pre-generated values
Tolerance: Acceptable error range

Creating Calculated Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank
Click Create a new question
Select Calculated
Configure in multiple steps

Step 1: Question Template¶

Question text with variables:

"A ball is thrown horizontally from a height of
{h} meters with a velocity of {v} m/s.
How far from the base of the cliff will the
ball land? (Use g = 10 m/s²)

Enter your answer in meters."

Variables are enclosed in curly braces: {variable_name}

Step 2: Define Correct Answer Formula¶

Formula:

={v}*sqrt(2*{h}/10)

Tolerance:

Value: 0.1
Type: Relative (percentage)

Correct answer display:

Decimal places: 2
Significant figures: Use course default

Step 3: Configure Variables¶

Variable {h}:

Minimum: 20
Maximum: 50
Decimal places: 0
Distribution: Uniform

Variable {v}:

Minimum: 10
Maximum: 25
Decimal places: 0
Distribution: Uniform

Step 4: Generate Datasets¶

Create sets of values for quizzes:

Dataset 1: h=20, v=15
Dataset 2: h=35, v=20
Dataset 3: h=45, v=12
... (generate 50-100 sets)

Available Functions¶

Functions available in formulas:

Function	Description	Example
abs(x)	Absolute value	abs(-5) = 5
acos(x)	Arc cosine	acos(0.5)
asin(x)	Arc sine	asin(0.5)
atan(x)	Arc tangent	atan(1)
ceil(x)	Round up	ceil(4.2) = 5
cos(x)	Cosine	cos(3.14159)
exp(x)	e^x	exp(1) = 2.718
floor(x)	Round down	floor(4.8) = 4
log(x)	Natural log	log(2.718) = 1
max(a,b)	Maximum	max(5,3) = 5
min(a,b)	Minimum	min(5,3) = 3
pi()	Pi constant	pi() = 3.14159
pow(x,y)	Power x^y	pow(2,3) = 8
round(x,n)	Round to n decimals	round(3.456,2) = 3.46
sin(x)	Sine	sin(1.57) = 1
sqrt(x)	Square root	sqrt(16) = 4
tan(x)	Tangent	tan(0.785) = 1

Dataset Management¶

Generating Datasets¶

Access the calculated question
Go to Dataset items
Set number of items to generate
Click Add to generate
Review and edit if needed

Deleting Datasets¶

Select dataset items
Click Delete
Regenerate if needed

Wildcard Datasets¶

Share datasets across questions:

Private datasets: Unique to this question Shared datasets: Available to other calculated questions

Calculated Question Example¶

Question Name: Physics-Calc-022: Kinetic Energy

Question Template:
A car with mass {m} kg is traveling at {v} m/s.
Calculate the kinetic energy of the car.

Formula: = 0.5 * {m} * {v} * {v}

Variables:
{m}: Range 1000-2000, Integer
{v}: Range 10-30, Integer

Tolerance: 0.01 (Relative)

Sample Dataset:
m=1500, v=20 → KE = 0.5 × 1500 × 20² = 300,000 J
m=1200, v=25 → KE = 0.5 × 1200 × 25² = 375,000 J
m=1800, v=15 → KE = 0.5 × 1800 × 15² = 202,500 J

General Feedback:
Kinetic energy is calculated using KE = ½mv²

Calculated Multichoice Questions¶

Understanding Calculated Multichoice¶

Combines calculated questions with multiple choice: - Randomized numeric values - Multiple choice format - Calculated correct and wrong answers - Auto-graded

Creating Calculated Multichoice¶

Create question with variable placeholders
Define formulas for each choice
Configure correct answer formula
Set up datasets

Configuration¶

Question text:

"A circle has a radius of {r} cm. What is its area?"

Choice formulas:

Choice 1: = 3.14159 * {r} * {r}     [Correct - πr²]
Choice 2: = 2 * 3.14159 * {r}       [Wrong - circumference]
Choice 3: = {r} * {r}               [Wrong - just r²]
Choice 4: = 3.14159 * {r}           [Wrong - πr]

Use Cases¶

Math problems with multiple answer options
Physics calculations with common misconceptions
Chemistry stoichiometry problems
Any calculation where distractors can be generated

Calculated Simple Questions¶

Understanding Calculated Simple¶

Simplified version of calculated questions: - Fewer configuration options - Quick to create - Formula-based answers - Good for straightforward calculations

Creating Calculated Simple¶

Write question with variables
Enter answer formula
Define variable ranges
Generate datasets

When to Use¶

Simple formula application
Basic arithmetic with variables
Quick calculated assessments
When full calculated is overkill

Drag and Drop Questions¶

Types of Drag and Drop Questions¶

PulseLMS offers three drag and drop variations:

Drag and Drop into Text: Drop items into text blanks
Drag and Drop onto Image: Place items on an image
Drag and Drop Markers: Position markers on an image

Drag and Drop into Text¶

Creating the Question¶

Create new question → Drag and drop into text
Write question text with placeholders

Question text:

"The process of [[1]] converts light energy into
chemical energy. This occurs in the [[2]] of plant
cells. The products are [[3]] and [[4]]."

Placeholders use [[number]] format.

Defining Choices¶

Choice 1: photosynthesis (Group: none) Choice 2: chloroplast (Group: none) Choice 3: glucose (Group: none) Choice 4: oxygen (Group: none) Choice 5: mitochondria (Group: none) [distractor] Choice 6: respiration (Group: none) [distractor]

Matching Answers¶

Placeholder [[1]] → photosynthesis
Placeholder [[2]] → chloroplast
Placeholder [[3]] → glucose
Placeholder [[4]] → oxygen

Drag and Drop onto Image¶

Creating the Question¶

Create new question → Drag and drop onto image
Upload background image
Define drop zones
Create draggable items

Background Image¶

Upload image (PNG, JPG): - Diagram to label - Map to identify regions - Chart to complete

Drop Zones¶

Define areas on the image:

Drop zone 1: x=100, y=50, size=80×30, label="Zone A"
Drop zone 2: x=200, y=120, size=80×30, label="Zone B"
Drop zone 3: x=150, y=200, size=80×30, label="Zone C"

Draggable Items¶

Create items to drag: - Text labels - Small images - Numbered markers

Drag and Drop Markers¶

Similar to onto image but: - Markers are positioned precisely - Can have infinite uses - Good for labeling detailed diagrams

Drag and Drop Best Practices¶

Clear images: High-quality, uncluttered backgrounds
Visible drop zones: Make targets obvious
Appropriate difficulty: 4-8 items typically
Accessibility: Consider alternative formats
Mobile testing: Verify touch device compatibility

Select Missing Words¶

Understanding Select Missing Words¶

Gap-fill questions with dropdown selections: - Text with blanks - Dropdown menus for each blank - Multiple options per blank - Auto-graded

Creating Select Missing Words¶

Navigate to Question bank
Create new → Select missing words
Configure question and choices

Configuration¶

Question text:

"Water is made up of two [[1]] atoms and one [[2]] atom.
The chemical formula is [[3]]."

Choices:

Choice Group A:
- hydrogen (correct for [[1]])
- oxygen
- carbon
- nitrogen

Choice Group B:
- oxygen (correct for [[2]])
- hydrogen
- nitrogen
- helium

Choice Group C:
- H2O (correct for [[3]])
- CO2
- NaCl
- H2O2

Answer mapping:

[[1]] = hydrogen (Group A)
[[2]] = oxygen (Group B)
[[3]] = H2O (Group C)

Student View¶

Students see:

Water is made up of two [Select ▼] atoms and one [Select ▼] atom.
The chemical formula is [Select ▼].

Each dropdown contains the options for that blank.

Embedded Answers (Cloze)¶

Understanding Cloze Questions¶

Cloze questions embed multiple sub-questions in text: - Multiple question types in one - Complex, realistic scenarios - Flexible assessment - Combined scoring

Cloze Syntax¶

Questions are defined using special codes:

Short Answer¶

{1:SHORTANSWER:=correct answer~wrong1~wrong2}
{1:SA:=answer~other}

Numerical¶

{2:NUMERICAL:=100:5}  (answer=100, tolerance=5)
{2:NM:=50:0.1}

Multiple Choice¶

{1:MULTICHOICE:=correct~wrong1~wrong2~wrong3}
{1:MC:wrong1~=correct~wrong2}

{1:MULTICHOICE_S:=correct~wrong1~wrong2}

Multiple Choice (Vertical)¶

{1:MULTICHOICE_V:=correct~wrong1~wrong2}

Multiple Choice (Horizontal)¶

{1:MULTICHOICE_H:=correct~wrong1~wrong2}

Complete Cloze Example¶

Question Text:
Match the capitals with their countries. The capital of
France is {1:SHORTANSWER:=Paris}. The capital of Germany
is {1:SHORTANSWER:=Berlin}. The population of Tokyo is
approximately {2:NUMERICAL:=14000000:1000000} (enter in millions).

The largest ocean is the {1:MULTICHOICE:=Pacific~Atlantic~Indian~Arctic} Ocean.

Cloze Weights¶

Specify different point values:

{2:SHORTANSWER:=answer}    (2 points)
{5:NUMERICAL:=100:5}       (5 points)
{1:MC:=right~wrong}        (1 point)

Cloze with Feedback¶

Add feedback for each option:

{1:MC:=correct#Correct!~wrong#Incorrect, try again}

Partial Credit in Cloze¶

Assign partial marks:

{1:MC:=right#100%~%50%partial#50%~wrong#0%}
{1:SA:=perfect~%75%close~%50%okay}

Cloze Best Practices¶

Keep it readable: Don't overload with sub-questions
Clear instructions: Explain what's expected
Consistent format: Similar blanks throughout
Test thoroughly: Complex syntax can have errors
Consider alternatives: Sometimes separate questions are better

All or Nothing Multiple Choice¶

Understanding All or Nothing¶

Extension of multiple choice: - Must select ALL correct answers - No partial credit - Must NOT select any wrong answers - Binary scoring (100% or 0%)

Configuration¶

Similar to standard multiple choice but: - Grading is all-or-nothing - Correct answers must all be selected - Any wrong selection = zero

Use Cases¶

When partial knowledge is insufficient
Testing complete understanding
Certification-style questions
Safety-critical knowledge assessment

Description (Non-Question)¶

Understanding Description¶

Not a question but informational content: - Instructions within quiz - Context for following questions - Section breaks - No scoring

Creating Descriptions¶

Create new → Description
Enter content (text, images, media)
No answer configuration needed

Use Cases¶

Quiz instructions: "Read the following passage..."
Case studies: Present scenario for subsequent questions
Section headers: "Section 2: Advanced Topics"
Resource links: Provide reference materials

Random Short-Answer Matching¶

Understanding Random Matching¶

Dynamically creates matching from short answer questions: - Pulls from question category - Randomly selects questions - Uses question/answer pairs - Different each attempt

Configuration¶

Create short answer questions in a category
Create Random short-answer matching
Select source category
Specify number of questions to use

Requirements¶

Source category must have enough short answer questions
Questions should have single correct answers
Minimum 4 questions in category

Quiz Activity Overview¶

Understanding the Quiz Activity¶

The Quiz activity delivers questions to students: - Timed or untimed - Single or multiple attempts - Various review options - Comprehensive reporting

Quiz Components¶

Settings: Timing, attempts, layout, grading
Questions: Added from question bank
Attempts: Student test sessions
Reports: Analysis and statistics

Accessing Quiz Management¶

Navigate to course
Click on quiz activity
Access via gear icon menu:
Edit quiz
Preview
Attempts
Statistics
Manual grading

Creating a Quiz¶

Step-by-Step Quiz Creation¶

Step 1: Add Activity¶

Turn editing on in course
Click Add an activity or resource
Select Quiz
Configure settings
Save

Step 2: Configure Settings¶

Complete all setting sections (detailed next chapter).

Step 3: Add Questions¶

Click on the quiz
Click Edit quiz or Add question
Add questions from bank or create new
Arrange order
Set marks

Step 4: Preview¶

Click Preview
Test as student would
Verify timing, navigation
Check scoring

Step 5: Publish¶

Make quiz visible
Communicate to students
Monitor attempts

Quiz Settings¶

General Settings¶

Name: Quiz title displayed to students

"Chapter 5 Assessment"

Description: Instructions and information

"This quiz covers concepts from Chapter 5. You have
30 minutes and two attempts. Your highest score counts."

Display description on course page: Show in course list

Timing Settings¶

Open and Close Dates¶

Open the quiz: When students can start

Date: 2026-01-15
Time: 08:00

Close the quiz: Deadline for submission

Date: 2026-01-22
Time: 23:59

Time Limit¶

Time limit: Duration allowed

30 minutes
1 hour
2 hours
None (unlimited)

When time expires: What happens at limit

Options:
- Open attempts are submitted automatically
- There is a grace period for submission
- Attempts must be submitted before time expires

Submission grace period: Extra time if enabled

1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.

Grade Settings¶

Grade category: Where in gradebook

Select category or create new

Grade to pass: Minimum passing score

70% (or specific score)

Attempts allowed: How many tries

Options:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, Unlimited

Grading method: How multiple attempts scored

Options:
- Highest grade
- Average grade
- First attempt
- Last attempt

Layout Settings¶

New page: Question distribution

Options:
- Never, all questions on one page
- Every question
- Every 2 questions
- Every 5 questions
- Every 10 questions

Navigation method: How students move

Options:
- Free: Go anywhere
- Sequential: Must complete in order

Question Behavior¶

Shuffle within questions: Randomize answer order

Yes/No

How questions behave: Feedback timing

Options:
- Deferred feedback: Feedback after submit
- Adaptive mode: Multiple tries per question
- Adaptive mode (no penalties): No deductions
- Immediate feedback: Instant feedback
- Interactive with multiple tries: Hints available
- CBM: Certainty-based marking

Each attempt builds on last: Start with previous answers

Yes/No (for multiple attempts)

Review Options¶

Configure what students see and when:

Timing Categories¶

During the attempt: While answering
Immediately after: Right after submitting
Later, while still open: Before quiz closes
After the quiz is closed: Permanent review

Review Elements¶

Element	Description
The attempt	Student's responses
Whether correct	Correctness indicators
Marks	Points earned
Specific feedback	Per-answer feedback
General feedback	Per-question feedback
Right answer	Correct answers
Overall feedback	Based on total score

Appearance Settings¶

Show user picture: Display photo during attempt

No image / Small image / Large image

Decimal places in grades: Display precision

0, 1, 2, 3 decimal places

Decimal places in question grades: Question-level precision

Show blocks during quiz attempts: Display course blocks

Safe Exam Browser¶

Configure secure testing: - Require Safe Exam Browser - Configure browser settings - Set allowed URLs - Define security options

Extra Restrictions¶

Require password: Quiz access password

"quiz2026secret"

Require network address: IP restrictions

192.168.1.0/24
10.0.0.0/8

Enforced delay between attempts: Wait time

1st and 2nd attempt: 1 day
Later attempts: 1 week

Browser security: JavaScript restrictions

Full screen pop-up with JavaScript security

Overall Feedback¶

Feedback based on total score ranges:

Grade boundary: 90.00%
Feedback: "Excellent work! You have mastered this material."

Grade boundary: 75.00%
Feedback: "Good job! Review the topics you missed."

Grade boundary: 50.00%
Feedback: "You passed, but please review the material."

Grade boundary: 0.00%
Feedback: "Please study the chapter and retake the quiz."

Adding Questions to Quizzes¶

Accessing Quiz Editing¶

Click on the quiz
Click Edit quiz in the navigation
Or click the gear icon → Edit quiz

Quiz Editing Interface¶

+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Quiz: Chapter 5 Assessment              Maximum grade: 100|
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Page 1                                                    |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Q1: [Question preview...]                    1.00 points  |
|     [Edit] [Preview] [Delete] [Move]                      |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Q2: [Question preview...]                    2.00 points  |
|     [Edit] [Preview] [Delete] [Move]                      |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| + Add                                                     |
| + a new question                                          |
| + from question bank                                      |
| + a random question                                       |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Page 2                                                    |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| ...                                                       |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Total of marks: 25.00    Maximum grade: 100               |
| [Repaginate] [Select multiple items]                      |
+----------------------------------------------------------+

Adding Questions¶

Option 1: Create New Question¶

Click + Add → a new question
Select question type
Create the question
Save to add to quiz

Option 2: From Question Bank¶

Click + Add → from question bank
Select category
Browse/search questions
Check questions to add
Click Add selected questions to the quiz

Option 3: Random Question¶

Click + Add → a random question
Select source category
Set number of random questions
Click Add random question

Organizing Questions¶

Changing Order¶

Drag and drop questions
Use move arrows
Renumber as needed

Setting Pages¶

Questions can be grouped on pages
Click Add a page break between questions
Or use Repaginate for automatic distribution

Setting Marks¶

For each question: 1. Click on the marks value 2. Enter new value 3. Press Enter

Maximum Grade vs. Total Marks¶

Total marks: Sum of all question marks Maximum grade: Score recorded in gradebook

Example:
Total marks: 50
Maximum grade: 100

Student scores 40/50 on questions
Gradebook shows: 80/100

Rescaling Grades¶

Change maximum grade: 1. Find Maximum grade field 2. Enter new value 3. Click Save

System automatically scales question marks to maximum.

Random Questions¶

Understanding Random Questions¶

Random questions: - Pull from specified category - Different for each student - Different for each attempt - Enable question pools - Prevent answer sharing

Adding Random Questions¶

Edit quiz
Click + Add → a random question
Configure:

Category: Source of questions

Select category containing question pool

Include subcategories: Also use child categories

Yes/No

Number of random questions: How many to add

1, 2, 5, 10, etc. (up to available questions)

Tags: Filter by specific tags

Select tags to narrow selection

Random Question Behavior¶

Each time a student starts an attempt: 1. System randomly selects questions from pool 2. Selected questions appear in quiz 3. Different students may see different questions 4. Repeat attempts may show different questions

Setting Up Question Pools¶

Create effective pools: 1. Create dedicated category 2. Add questions of similar difficulty 3. Ensure all questions cover same objective 4. Have more questions than needed

Example pool:

Category: Chapter 5 Pool
- Contains 30 questions
- Quiz uses 10 random
- Students see different sets

Random Question Best Practices¶

Consistent difficulty: Pool questions should be comparable
Sufficient quantity: At least 2x needed questions
Same objectives: All questions test same learning goals
Similar marks: Equal point value for fairness
Regular review: Check statistics for outliers

Example Random Question Setup¶

Quiz: Weekly Assessment
- 10 total questions
- 3 random from "Easy Pool" (20 questions available)
- 5 random from "Medium Pool" (30 questions available)
- 2 random from "Hard Pool" (15 questions available)

Students can: - Jump to any question - Answer in any order - Review and change answers - See all question numbers

Best for: - Low-stakes practice - Review quizzes - Self-assessment

Students must: - Answer in order - Complete before moving - Cannot go back - No question overview

Best for: - Adaptive testing - Timed exams - Preventing answer changes

Page Layout¶

All on One Page¶

All questions visible together: - Good for short quizzes - Easy navigation - May cause slow loading for large quizzes

Questions Per Page¶

Configure question grouping:

1 question per page: Maximum focus
2-5 questions per page: Balanced
10+ questions per page: Faster completion

When enabled, shows:

Quiz Navigation
+---+---+---+---+---+
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
+---+---+---+---+---+
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10|
+---+---+---+---+---+
[Finish attempt...]

Color coding: - White: Not yet answered - Gray: Answered - Red: Flagged for review

Flagging Questions¶

Students can flag questions: 1. Click flag icon next to question 2. Flagged questions highlighted in navigation 3. Easy to return and review

Finishing the Quiz¶

Finish attempt button: 1. Takes student to summary page 2. Shows answered/unanswered status 3. Allows return to quiz 4. Submit all and finish to complete

Quiz Attempt Settings¶

Attempt Limits¶

Attempts allowed: Maximum number of tries

1 - Single attempt (exams)
2-3 - Limited retakes (assessments)
Unlimited - Practice quizzes

Attempt Grading Methods¶

Grading method: How final grade calculated

Method	Description	Use Case
Highest grade	Best attempt counts	Mastery learning
Average grade	Mean of all attempts	Consistent effort
First attempt	Only first try counts	High-stakes
Last attempt	Final try counts	Improvement focus

Attempt Building¶

Each attempt builds on the last: - New attempts start with previous answers - Students continue from where they left off - Good for iterative improvement

Attempt Restrictions¶

Password Protection¶

Require password to start:

Password: "examday2026"

Use cases: - Controlled environment testing - Proctored exams - Limited access quizzes

Network Address¶

Restrict by IP:

192.168.1.0/24 (classroom network)
10.0.0.0/8 (campus network)

Delay Between Attempts¶

Force wait time:

Between 1st and 2nd: 1 hour
Between later attempts: 1 day

Prevents rapid reattempts for memorization.

Browser Security¶

Full screen pop-up: Quiz in dedicated window - Prevents new windows/tabs - Discourages browsing during exam - Not foolproof security

Safe Exam Browser: Secure testing application - Locks down computer - Prevents copy/paste - Blocks other applications

Quiz Review Options¶

Understanding Review Options¶

Review options control what students see after attempting:

Review Timing¶

During the Attempt¶

While still taking the quiz: - Limited options available - Typically minimal information

Immediately After¶

Right after clicking submit: - Full feedback available - Results displayed - Most common review point

Later, While Still Open¶

After quiz, before close date: - Can re-view attempts - Good for study purposes

After Quiz is Closed¶

Permanent review access: - Historical record - Long-term learning

Review Elements¶

The Attempt¶

Show student's responses
Display answered questions
Important for learning

Whether Correct¶

Checkmarks/X marks
Color coding (green/red)
Basic correctness info

Marks¶

Points earned per question
Total score
Percentage achieved

Specific Feedback¶

Per-answer feedback
Why each choice is right/wrong
Detailed explanations

General Feedback¶

Per-question feedback
Overall explanation
Additional resources

Right Answer¶

Show correct responses
Reveal solutions
Full answer key

Overall Feedback¶

Based on total score
Grade-range messages
Next steps guidance

Configuring Review Options¶

Use the matrix to set each element for each timing:

                    | During | Immediately | Later | After |
--------------------|--------|-------------|-------|-------|
The attempt         |   [ ]  |     [x]     |  [x]  |  [x]  |
Whether correct     |   [ ]  |     [x]     |  [x]  |  [x]  |
Marks               |   [ ]  |     [x]     |  [x]  |  [x]  |
Specific feedback   |   [ ]  |     [x]     |  [x]  |  [x]  |
General feedback    |   [ ]  |     [x]     |  [ ]  |  [x]  |
Right answer        |   [ ]  |     [ ]     |  [ ]  |  [x]  |
Overall feedback    |   [ ]  |     [x]     |  [x]  |  [x]  |

Review Option Strategies¶

Formative/Practice Quiz¶

Show everything immediately
Maximize learning value
Include detailed feedback

Summative Assessment¶

Limited immediate feedback
Full review after close
Protect question security

Secure Exam¶

Minimal during attempt
Basic feedback after
No right answers until later

Quiz Reports¶

Available Reports¶

Grades Report¶

Overview of all attempts:

+------------------+----------+-------+-------+------+
| Student          | Attempt  | State | Grade | Time |
+------------------+----------+-------+-------+------+
| Adams, John      | 1        | Done  | 85%   | 25m  |
| Baker, Sarah     | 1        | Done  | 92%   | 20m  |
|                  | 2        | Done  | 95%   | 15m  |
| Clark, Michael   | 1        | IP    | --    | --   |
+------------------+----------+-------+-------+------+

Features: - View all attempts - Filter by status - Export data - Regrade options

Responses Report¶

Detailed response analysis: - Individual question responses - Response patterns - Answer distribution - Statistical analysis

Statistics Report¶

Comprehensive statistical analysis: - Question difficulty index - Discrimination index - Standard deviation - Reliability coefficient

Manual Grading Report¶

Manage essay/manual grading: - Questions needing grades - Grading queue - Bulk grading tools

Accessing Reports¶

Click on quiz
Navigate to Results menu
Select report type

Grades Report Features¶

Filtering Options¶

Attempts: All, best, first, last
Status: Finished, in progress, never submitted
Groups: Filter by student group

Displayed Information¶

Student name and picture
Attempt number and state
Start and completion time
Time taken
Grade achieved
Grade displayed as percentage/points

Actions Available¶

View attempt details
Regrade attempt
Delete attempt
Export grades

Downloading Reports¶

Export quiz data: 1. Go to Grades report 2. Set display options 3. Click Download table data as 4. Choose format (Excel, CSV, etc.)

Quiz Statistics¶

Understanding Statistics¶

Quiz statistics help evaluate: - Question quality - Quiz reliability - Student performance - Assessment validity

Statistics Report Sections¶

Quiz Information¶

Basic quiz data: - Number of attempts - Average grade - Median grade - Standard deviation - Score distribution

Question Statistics¶

Per-question analysis:

Question	Attempts	Facility	SD	Disc. Index
Q1	45	78%	0.42	0.35
Q2	45	45%	0.50	0.52
Q3	45	92%	0.27	0.15

Key Metrics Explained¶

Facility Index (Difficulty) - Percentage answering correctly - 0% = Very difficult (no one correct) - 100% = Very easy (everyone correct) - Ideal range: 30-70%

Discrimination Index - How well question separates high/low performers - Range: -1 to +1 - Above 0.3: Good discrimination - Below 0.2: Weak discrimination - Negative: Problematic question

Standard Deviation - Spread of responses - Higher = more variation - Lower = consistent responses

Analyzing Question Quality¶

Ideal Question¶

Facility: 50-70%
Discrimination: > 0.3
Varied distractors: No one option ignored

Problematic Question Indicators¶

Too Easy: - Facility > 90% - Low discrimination - Consider removing or making harder

Too Difficult: - Facility < 30% - Low discrimination - Review for clarity or errors

Poor Discrimination: - Index < 0.2 or negative - High performers getting wrong - Question may be flawed

Response Analysis¶

View answer distribution:

Question: What is the capital of France?

A. London:     5% (wrong answer)
B. Paris:      85% (correct)
C. Berlin:     7% (wrong answer)
D. Madrid:     3% (wrong answer)

Identify: - Popular distractors - Unused options - Confusion patterns

Using Statistics for Improvement¶

Identify weak questions: Low discrimination
Review difficult items: Consider hint or reteach
Remove ineffective distractors: Options never chosen
Track over time: Compare across semesters
Improve instruction: Address consistent gaps

Manual Grading¶

Understanding Manual Grading¶

Some questions require human grading: - Essay questions - Short answer with varied responses - Partial credit decisions - Response review

Accessing Manual Grading¶

Navigate to quiz
Go to Results → Manual grading
View questions needing grades

Manual Grading Interface¶

Manual Grading Required
+--------------------------------------------------+
| Question                  | Needs Grading | Total |
+--------------------------------------------------+
| Essay: Analyze the theme  | 15            | 45    |
| Essay: Compare characters | 12            | 45    |
| Short Answer: Explain...  | 3             | 45    |
+--------------------------------------------------+

Grading Process¶

Click question name
View list of responses needing grades
For each response:
Read student answer
Enter grade (0 to maximum)
Provide feedback comment
Save

Bulk Grading¶

Grade multiple responses at once: 1. View all responses for a question 2. Quickly scan and grade 3. Use consistent criteria 4. Save all changes

Grading Tips¶

Use Rubrics¶

Define criteria before grading
Apply consistently
Reference in feedback

Batch Similar Responses¶

Grade all of one question first
Maintains consistency
Allows calibration

Take Breaks¶

Avoid grader fatigue
Return with fresh perspective
Maintain quality

Regrading¶

Regrade entire attempts: 1. Go to quiz results 2. Select attempts 3. Choose Regrade 4. Confirm regrading

Use when: - Question modified - Grading error discovered - Answer key changed

Question Import/Export¶

Import/Export Overview¶

PulseLMS supports multiple formats for question transfer:

Format	Import	Export	Best For
GIFT	Yes	Yes	Simple text format
Aiken	Yes	No	Multiple choice only
XML	Yes	Yes	Complete questions
XHTML	Yes	No	HTML-based
WebCT	Yes	No	Migrating from WebCT
Blackboard	Yes	No	Migrating from Blackboard
Embedded answers	Yes	No	Cloze questions
Missing word	Yes	No	Select missing words

Importing Questions¶

Navigate to Question bank → Import
Select file format
Configure import options
Upload file
Review and confirm

Export Options¶

Navigate to Question bank → Export
Select category to export
Choose format
Download file

GIFT Format¶

Understanding GIFT¶

GIFT (General Import Format Technology) is a simple text format: - Human-readable - Easy to write - Multiple question types - Good for batch creation

GIFT Syntax¶

Comments¶

// This is a comment

Question Names (Optional)¶

::Question Title:: Question text {answer}

Category Markers¶

$CATEGORY: Chapter 1/Easy Questions

GIFT Question Types¶

Multiple Choice¶

What color is the sky? {
  =Blue
  ~Green
  ~Red
  ~Yellow
}

Multiple Choice with Feedback¶

What is 2+2? {
  =4 #Correct! Basic addition.
  ~3 #Incorrect. Try again.
  ~5 #Incorrect. Count carefully.
}

Multiple Correct Answers¶

Which are primary colors? {
  ~%33.33%Red
  ~%33.33%Blue
  ~%33.33%Yellow
  ~%-33.33%Green
  ~%-33.33%Orange
}

True/False¶

The Earth is round. {TRUE}
The Sun revolves around Earth. {FALSE}

True/False with Feedback¶

Water freezes at 0°C. {T #Correct! At sea level.}

Short Answer¶

Who wrote Romeo and Juliet? {=Shakespeare =William Shakespeare}

Numerical¶

What is the value of pi to 2 decimal places? {#3.14:0.01}

Numerical Range¶

How many states in the USA? {#50:0}
What is pi? {#3.14159:0.001}

Matching¶

Match the capitals. {
  =France -> Paris
  =Germany -> Berlin
  =Italy -> Rome
  =Spain -> Madrid
}

Essay¶

Discuss the causes of World War I. {}

Fill in the Blank¶

The capital of France is {=Paris}.

Complete GIFT Example¶

// Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology
$CATEGORY: Chapter 1/Multiple Choice

::Cell Definition::What is the basic unit of life? {
  =Cell #Correct! Cells are fundamental.
  ~Atom #Incorrect. Atoms are chemistry.
  ~Organ #Incorrect. Organs contain many cells.
  ~Tissue #Incorrect. Tissues are made of cells.
}

::Photosynthesis Location::Photosynthesis occurs in the {=chloroplast =chloroplasts}.

::Plant Cells::True or False: Plant cells have cell walls. {TRUE}

$CATEGORY: Chapter 1/Numerical

::Cell Count::Approximately how many cells are in the human body? {#37000000000000:5000000000000}

$CATEGORY: Chapter 1/Matching

::Organelle Functions::Match the organelle to its function. {
  =Nucleus -> Contains DNA
  =Mitochondria -> Produces energy
  =Ribosome -> Makes proteins
  =Cell membrane -> Controls entry/exit
}

GIFT Special Characters¶

Escape special characters with backslash:

\=  (equals sign in text)
\~  (tilde in text)
\#  (hash in text)
\{  (left brace in text)
\}  (right brace in text)
\:  (colon in text)

GIFT Best Practices¶

Use categories: Organize questions logically
Add question names: Makes management easier
Include feedback: Enhances learning
Test import: Verify before large batches
Escape special chars: Avoid syntax errors

Aiken Format¶

Understanding Aiken¶

Aiken format is simple for multiple choice: - One correct answer per question - Letters for options (A, B, C, D) - Very easy to create - Limited features

Aiken Syntax¶

Question text
A. First option
B. Second option
C. Third option
D. Fourth option
ANSWER: B

Next question text
A. Option one
B. Option two
C. Option three
ANSWER: A

Aiken Rules¶

Question text on first line(s)
Options start with capital letter and period
ANSWER: followed by correct letter
Blank line between questions
Options must be A, B, C, D, E (sequential)

Aiken Example¶

What is the capital of France?
A. London
B. Paris
C. Berlin
D. Madrid
ANSWER: B

Which planet is closest to the Sun?
A. Venus
B. Earth
C. Mercury
D. Mars
ANSWER: C

What is the chemical symbol for water?
A. H2O
B. CO2
C. NaCl
D. O2
ANSWER: A

Aiken Limitations¶

Multiple choice only
Single correct answer only
No feedback support
No partial credit
No images or formatting

XML Format¶

Understanding XML Format¶

PulseLMS XML provides complete question export: - All question types supported - Full metadata preserved - Images and media included - Ideal for backup/transfer

XML Structure¶

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<quiz>
  <question type="multichoice">
    <name>
      <text>Question Title</text>
    </name>
    <questiontext format="html">
      <text><![CDATA[<p>Question content here</p>]]></text>
    </questiontext>
    <defaultgrade>1.0000000</defaultgrade>
    <penalty>0.3333333</penalty>
    <hidden>0</hidden>
    <single>true</single>
    <shuffleanswers>true</shuffleanswers>
    <answernumbering>abc</answernumbering>
    <answer fraction="100" format="html">
      <text><![CDATA[<p>Correct answer</p>]]></text>
      <feedback format="html">
        <text><![CDATA[<p>Correct!</p>]]></text>
      </feedback>
    </answer>
    <answer fraction="0" format="html">
      <text><![CDATA[<p>Wrong answer</p>]]></text>
      <feedback format="html">
        <text><![CDATA[<p>Incorrect</p>]]></text>
      </feedback>
    </answer>
  </question>
</quiz>

XML Elements¶

Element	Description
`<question type="">`	Question container with type
`<name>`	Question title
`<questiontext>`	Main question content
`<defaultgrade>`	Point value
`<generalfeedback>`	Overall feedback
`<answer fraction="">`	Answer with percentage
`<feedback>`	Answer-specific feedback
`<tags>`	Question tags

Exporting to XML¶

Go to Question bank → Export
Choose category
Select XML format
Download file

Importing from XML¶

Go to Question bank → Import
Select XML format
Upload file
Select target category
Confirm import

XML for Different Question Types¶

True/False¶

<question type="truefalse">
  <name><text>TF Question</text></name>
  <questiontext format="html">
    <text><![CDATA[<p>Statement here</p>]]></text>
  </questiontext>
  <answer fraction="100" format="moodle_auto_format">
    <text>true</text>
  </answer>
  <answer fraction="0" format="moodle_auto_format">
    <text>false</text>
  </answer>
</question>

Short Answer¶

<question type="shortanswer">
  <name><text>SA Question</text></name>
  <questiontext format="html">
    <text><![CDATA[<p>Question here</p>]]></text>
  </questiontext>
  <usecase>0</usecase>
  <answer fraction="100" format="moodle_auto_format">
    <text>correct answer</text>
  </answer>
</question>

Essay¶

<question type="essay">
  <name><text>Essay Question</text></name>
  <questiontext format="html">
    <text><![CDATA[<p>Essay prompt here</p>]]></text>
  </questiontext>
  <responseformat>editor</responseformat>
  <responserequired>1</responserequired>
  <responsefieldlines>15</responsefieldlines>
  <attachments>0</attachments>
</question>

Question Version Control¶

Understanding Versioning¶

PulseLMS tracks question changes: - Every edit creates new version - Previous versions preserved - Can view version history - Supports question review

Version History¶

Access question history: 1. Edit question 2. View Version history section 3. See all previous versions 4. Compare changes

Version Information¶

Each version records: - Date/time of change - User who made change - Question status - Changes made

Restoring Versions¶

If needed, restore previous version: 1. View version history 2. Select version to restore 3. Confirm restoration

Version Best Practices¶

Document changes: Note why edits were made
Review before editing: Understand current version
Test after editing: Verify changes work
Track statistics: Compare performance across versions

Within Course¶

All teachers access same bank
Categories visible to course teachers
Standard collaboration

Across Courses (Category Level)¶

Create at category level
Available to courses in category
Good for departments

Site-Wide (System Level)¶

Administrator creates
Available everywhere
Institutional question pools

Setting Up Shared Categories¶

Navigate to Question bank
Go to Categories
Select broader context:
Course category context
System context
Create category
Add questions

Permission Requirements¶

Sharing requires appropriate permissions: - Create questions at target level - Access shared contexts - Usually manager or admin role

Alternative sharing method: 1. Export questions from source 2. Send file to recipient 3. Import into target course 4. Maintains separate copies

Best Practices¶

Question Writing¶

General Guidelines¶

Clear language: Avoid ambiguity
One concept per question: Test specific knowledge
Appropriate difficulty: Match to objectives
Avoid clues: Don't hint at answers
Consistent format: Similar structure throughout

Multiple Choice Specific¶

Plausible distractors: All options should seem viable
Similar length: Options should be comparable
Avoid "all/none of above": Problematic logic
Random order: Enable shuffling
4-5 options: Standard effective range

Essay Specific¶

Clear prompt: Specific instructions
Defined criteria: Explain what's evaluated
Reasonable scope: Achievable in time limit
Response template: Guide structure

Quiz Design¶

Structure¶

Logical organization: Group related questions
Progressive difficulty: Build complexity
Adequate time: Allow sufficient duration
Clear instructions: State expectations

Settings¶

Appropriate attempts: Match assessment type
Review options: Balance learning and security
Feedback timing: Optimize for purpose
Security measures: Appropriate for stakes

Maintenance¶

Regular review: Check statistics
Update content: Keep current
Retire weak questions: Replace low-quality items
Backup regularly: Export question banks
Document changes: Track modifications

Troubleshooting¶

Common Issues¶

Questions Not Importing¶

Symptoms: - Import fails - Questions missing - Format errors

Solutions: 1. Check file format matches selected type 2. Verify syntax (especially GIFT/Aiken) 3. Check file encoding (use UTF-8) 4. Try smaller batch 5. Review error messages

Quiz Not Appearing¶

Symptoms: - Students can't see quiz - Quiz hidden or restricted

Solutions: 1. Check visibility settings 2. Verify open/close dates 3. Check group restrictions 4. Confirm activity completion prerequisites 5. Review access restrictions

Grades Not Calculating¶

Symptoms: - Scores incorrect - Total doesn't match - Missing grades

Solutions: 1. Check question marks 2. Verify maximum grade setting 3. Review grading method (multiple attempts) 4. Check for manual grading needed 5. Regrade if necessary

Random Questions Not Working¶

Symptoms: - Same questions every time - Not enough questions available - Error adding random

Solutions: 1. Verify category has enough questions 2. Check subcategory inclusion 3. Ensure questions in correct category 4. Verify question types are valid

Performance Issues¶

Symptoms: - Slow loading - Timeout during attempt - Unresponsive interface

Solutions: 1. Reduce questions per page 2. Optimize images in questions 3. Check server resources 4. Limit concurrent attempts 5. Use simpler question types

Getting Help¶

If issues persist: 1. Document the problem 2. Note error messages 3. Contact system administrator 4. Provide example questions 5. Describe steps to reproduce

Appendix A: Question Type Quick Reference¶

Type	Auto-Grade	Partial Credit	Use Case
Multiple Choice	Yes	Yes	Knowledge recall
True/False	Yes	No	Fact verification
Matching	Yes	Yes	Associations
Short Answer	Yes*	Yes	Terminology
Numerical	Yes	Yes	Calculations
Calculated	Yes	Yes	Formula application
Essay	No	Yes	Critical thinking
Drag and Drop	Yes	Yes	Interactive labeling
Select Missing	Yes	Yes	Vocabulary
Cloze	Yes	Yes	Complex scenarios

*May need review for unexpected answers

Appendix B: GIFT Quick Reference¶

// Multiple Choice
Question {=correct ~wrong1 ~wrong2}

// True/False
Statement {TRUE} or {T}
Statement {FALSE} or {F}

// Short Answer
Question {=answer1 =answer2}

// Numerical
Question {#answer} or {#answer:tolerance}

// Matching
Match items {=left1->right1 =left2->right2}

// Essay
Question {}

// Fill-in-blank
The answer is {=blank}.

// With feedback
Answer {=correct#feedback ~wrong#feedback}

// With percentage
{~%50%partial ~%100%correct ~%0%wrong}

// Category
$CATEGORY: path/to/category

Appendix C: Statistics Interpretation¶

Metric	Ideal Range	Interpretation
Facility Index	30-70%	Appropriate difficulty
Discrimination Index	> 0.3	Good differentiation
Point Biserial	> 0.2	Positive correlation
Standard Deviation	Moderate	Appropriate variation

Appendix D: Import Format Comparison¶

Feature	GIFT	Aiken	XML
MC Single	Yes	Yes	Yes
MC Multiple	Yes	No	Yes
True/False	Yes	No	Yes
Short Answer	Yes	No	Yes
Numerical	Yes	No	Yes
Matching	Yes	No	Yes
Essay	Yes	No	Yes
Cloze	Yes	No	Yes
Images	No	No	Yes
Feedback	Yes	No	Yes
Categories	Yes	No	Yes

Document Revision History¶

Version	Date	Changes
4.5	January 2026	Initial comprehensive documentation
4.4	September 2025	Added drag-drop section
4.3	June 2025	Updated statistics section
4.2	March 2025	Enhanced GIFT documentation
4.1	December 2024	Added calculated questions
4.0	September 2024	Major interface updates

Support and Resources¶

For additional help: - Access built-in help via the ? icons throughout the interface - Contact your institution's PulseLMS administrator - Visit the PulseLMS support portal - Consult the PulseLMS knowledge base

This documentation is part of the PulseLMS Complete Administrator and Instructor Guide series.

Document ID: PULSE-QUIZ-023 Classification: Internal Use Copyright: PulseLMS Documentation Team

PulseLMS Question Bank and Quiz Documentation¶

Complete Guide to Creating, Managing, and Deploying Assessments¶

Table of Contents¶

Introduction to Assessment in PulseLMS¶

Overview¶

Key Features¶

Assessment Philosophy¶

Access and Permissions¶

Question Bank Overview¶

Understanding the Question Bank¶

Accessing the Question Bank¶

Question Bank Interface¶

Question Bank Views¶

Questions View¶

Categories View¶

Import View¶

Export View¶

Question Status¶

Bulk Actions¶

Question Bank Organization¶

Organizational Strategy¶

Recommended Structures¶

By Topic/Chapter¶

By Difficulty Level¶

By Learning Objective¶

By Assessment Type¶

Naming Conventions¶

Tags and Metadata¶

Question Categories¶

Understanding Categories¶

Default Categories¶

Creating Categories¶

Category Settings¶

Managing Categories¶

Editing Categories¶

Moving Categories¶

Deleting Categories¶

Category Hierarchy Example¶

Sharing Categories¶

Creating Shared Categories¶

Question Types Overview¶

Available Question Types¶

Objective Questions (Auto-Graded)¶

Subjective Questions (Manual Grading)¶

Question Type Selection Guide¶

Common Question Elements¶

Question Name¶

Question Text¶

Default Mark¶

General Feedback¶

ID Number¶

Tags¶

Multiple Choice Questions¶

Understanding Multiple Choice¶

Creating a Multiple Choice Question¶

Question Configuration¶

General Section¶

Answer Configuration¶

Answer Options¶

Partial Credit for Multiple Choice¶

Positive Grades¶

Negative Grades (Optional)¶

Example: Select All That Apply¶

Combined Feedback¶

Multiple Choice Best Practices¶

Example Complete Multiple Choice Question¶

True/False Questions¶

Understanding True/False¶

Creating True/False Questions¶

True/False Configuration¶

Question Settings¶

Correct Answer¶

Specific Feedback¶

True/False Best Practices¶

True/False Limitations¶

Example True/False Questions¶

Matching Questions¶

Understanding Matching Questions¶

Creating Matching Questions¶

Matching Configuration¶