How to Write Calculated Questions in Moodle Quizzes

One of the most helpful questions in a Moodle quiz is the calculated question. Students perform calculations using a formula. Moodle allows you to ask an indefinite version of these questions by switching specific values. If you set up the question correctly, Moodle will insert random values (or values from a range) and will grade student responses. For example, let's say you want students to calculate the area of a rectangle but want each student to get different values for the length and width. You input the formula (A = LxW) and the parameters. Moodle will generate a different question each time by randomly selecting a value for L and for W. This is especially helpful in a mastery course where students are taking tests and quizzes at different times. Unfortunately, it is not a straight forward process. Below is a tutorial to walk you through the steps. The preparation will be worth it!

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• Using Moodle in the Classroom

M&M - Moodle Quizzes in a Mastery Course

CC Courtesy of Moodle Logo by Shawn Kimball on Flickr

Some of the biggest obstacles in a flipped mastery model are test grading and security. If students work at their own pace, then some students will take exams before others. This can be a grading nightmare. In addition, this can lead to cheating and other violations of academic integrity. While some students will always find a way to get an edge, Moodle quizzes can help to minimize grading and cheating in a mastery course.


Here are some helpful features in a Moodle quiz:
1) Multiple attempts with time delay between attempts

• You can give students as many chances to complete the quiz as you wish. You can also set a minimum time between attempts to make sure an intervention occurs.

2) Self-graded

• What a great way to reduce grading time, especially if students are taking different quizzes at different times.

3) Password-protected

•  To ensure that students only take exams when they are ready and have received your permission, you can set up a password and change it frequently.

CC Courtesy of Shuffle Moodle Quiz Questions by Wesley Fryer on Flickr

4) Randomized features - choices & questions

• Assuming you have created a large enough question bank, Moodle can randomly select questions from specific categories within a quiz. This is a powerful tool because you can ensure each attempt is a different quiz, whether it's a second attempt by the same or different student. 
• Even if the same question is used, you can shuffle the answer options in a multiple choice question. 

5) Calculated questions

CC Courtesy of Quiz Options by Dave Foord on Flickr

• Moodle is constantly adding new question types. One of my favorite is the calculated classes of questions. If you teach physics, chemistry or math, you can create a problem where calculations are required. If you set up the formulae in the correct way, Moodle will create a question but use different numbers each time.

6) Timed

• One of the glaring weaknesses of online quizzes is the need for Internet access. Unfortunately, this is a potential source of cheating. One way to help minimize the opportunity for getting help from the Internet is setting a time limit on the quiz.

7) Open and closing of quizzes 

CC Courtesy of Moodle Quiz Open During Class by Wesley Fryer on Flickr

• To ensure that students don't have unwanted access to your quiz, you can also set an opening and closing date for each quiz.

For more information about Moodle quizzes, try viewing the video below and visiting this link.