Matching

This article shows you how to build a matching question.

Overview

Matching questions asks students to match each item premise (e.g., terms, dates, concepts) with the correct corresponding item from another list (e.g., definitions, events, explanations).

Why Use It

This question type is effective for checking if students can correctly associate key concepts with their definitions or theories with their applications. It is particularly efficient for reviewing material and ensuring foundational knowledge is solid before moving on to more complex tasks.

• Reinforces connections between concepts and their meanings.

• Helps students build more robust mental maps of course content.

• Provides a clear snapshot of which specific associations students understand and which might need further clarification.

Use Cases

• Terminology Quizzes: Check if students can correctly pair academic terms with their definitions.

• Conceptual Understanding: Align theories with their appropriate applications or real-world examples.

Create and Configure

1

Write Your Question Stem

2

Add Matching Block

3

Input Item Premise and Correct Choice

4

Add More Matches

Use the + and x symbols to add more correct and incorrect alternatives. EXAMIND will only show one correct choice at a time if the item premise is identical.

5

Add Distractors

6

Configure Settings

Remember to click Update to save your settings

Points: The total point value per match in an assessment.

Instructor Tips

Ensuring Academic Integrity

• Randomization: Shuffle answer choices for each student attempt.

• Dynamic Questions: Use a combination of independent and dependent variables.

• Time Limits: Set a time limit to reduce the likelihood of external help.

• Question Pools: Draw from a bank of related questions to increase randomization.

EXAMIND automatically shuffles answer choices by default to support integrity.

Common Issues

• Students may struggle with ambiguous pairings. Ensure each prompt and its correct match have a clear, direct relationship.

• If many students fail a particular match, review whether that concept was adequately covered in class or course materials.

Best Practices

• Use a consistent level of detail in item premises and correct choices.

• Include instructions in the question stem (“Select the best match from the dropdown to the right of each item.”) to ensure students understand the mechanism.