[ARCHIVED] Why are answers in matching quizzes randomized?

[jbielecki]

Why are answers to matching questions randomized? I want the answers to always be in the same order. I entered answers labeled A through L, but they show up the drop-down list in various orders. That is extremely confusing and frustrating for students if each time they answer a question, they have to read through the entire list to find an answer, even if it's answer "A"! This happens whether I choose "shuffle answers" or not. What is the reasoning behind this? 

[jerz]

I have this same question.

[Chris_Hofer]

 @jbielecki  and  @jerz ...

IMHO, matching questions don't necessarily need to have letters in front of them (the answer possibilities that students can pick from).  In fact, if you take a look at this Guide, How do I create a Matching quiz question?, you'll see that only words (not letters) are filled in for the answer possibilities.  So, for example, instead of having answer possibilities of:

A. Red

B. Blue

C. Green

Just use:

Red

Blue
Green

That way, Canvas will randomize those words on the right side of the quiz question...which will make it more like you might see on a paper quiz.  By eliminating the letters, students wouldn't see something like this:

B: Blue

C. Green

A. Red

Even though you put the letters in front when you were building the question, Canvas doesn't recognize that you want them in that order.  It randomizes the list on the right...but keeps the items on your left side in the order you want.

I'm not sure if this completely answers your question, but I just wanted to explain a bit how this works in Quizzes.  I hope it will be of some help to you.  Sing out if you have any questions.  Take care...stay safe...be well.

[jerz]

I do understand all that. But if I want to show students four different samples of news leads or thesis statements, and I want them to evaluate them based on a rubric of Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor, it would look weird and pointless for those options to be randomized each time they see it.

[Chris_Hofer]

 @jerz ...

Would the Matching Question type really be the best option for you given your example?  I'm not sure that it would be.  I think you might be able to accomplish something similar to what you want by following the steps in this Guide: How do I create a Multiple Dropdown quiz question?.  Or, if you were using New Quizzes, you could follow the steps in this Guide: How do I create an Ordering question in New Quizzes?.  Do you think either of these options might work for your needs?