Overview
Likert scales are a powerful assessment tool for gathering nuanced data in online surveys and quizzes. A Likert scale typically presents a statement or question followed by a series of response options often ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” These options are arranged in a linear fashion, allowing respondents to express their level of agreement or disagreement along a spectrum. They offer a more granular perspective than simple yes/no or multiple-choice questions.
In this blog, we explore how to effectively create Likert quiz questions in New Quizzes to enhance your course assessments and to gain valuable insights from your students. Though there is not an evident Likert question type option within either Classic or New Quizzes, creating Likert questions is possible – through a slightly different process – in both quiz engines. If you’re curious about how to do this in Classic Quizzes, please reach out to the Online Learning Support team for assistance. For New Quizzes, follow the steps outlined below.
Likert Question Creation
The first step is, of course, to create a New Quiz. After you have created your New Quiz and navigated to the Build Page, you will need to create a new question and select Fill in the Blank.
Next, you will need to access the Rich Content Editor and select Insert. From there, select Table and choose two columns. The table rows can be added based on needs, but for this example I have selected three rows.
Each row of the table will be a distinct Likert item statement with questions in the first column and answer choices in the second column. Create a name for the answer choice boxes and use “backticks” on your keyboard to frame the answer choice for fill in the blank question types.
For a Likert question type where you will have multiple answer options, your first entry will need to be your backtick reference answer. In this example, I use `Strongly disagree`.
Once the backtick reference is entered, you will automatically see answer type options below. Here, I recommend selecting Dropdown answer type for each reference entry above. You will be able to compose other answer entries to complete the Likert options. Once all Likert answer options are completed, click Done to save your question.
Ungraded Surveys
While New Quizzes does not have an ungraded survey feature as in Classic Quizzes, there is a work around if you need to create one. Inside the Edit Assignment Page of New Quizzes, you can select “Do not count this assignment towards the final grade.” When this is checked, the assessment will not appear in the Canvas Gradebook. However, it will still function and feel like a graded assessment for students and faculty.
Additional Support
As you create your Likert questions in New Quizzes, remember to carefully consider their statements, response options, and the overall design of the quiz to ensure that they are collecting the necessary data. As always, faculty can schedule a consultation with CIRT for one-on-one support with this or any other Canvas needs.
