Fill+in+the+Blank

=__**Fill in the Blank **__= (Jesse)

**//Definition //**
A type of question or phrase with one or more words replaced with a blank line, giving the reader the chance to add the missing word(s).

**//Advantages //**
This type of question can be constructed quickly, students must recall correct term without clues to correct response (multiple choice), not as obvious in terms of response as multiple choice. Allows students the possibility of more than one right answer. This type of question helps students who may know the answer to a question but are unable to formulate a response on their own, (identified/ESL students) It may be more difficult for students to copy answers from other students when they are words and numbers as compared to a bubble in a multiple choice format. Students can gain proficiency in the use of context clues.

**//Disadvantages //**

 * Questions tend to be harder to score (compared to multiple choice), numerous possible answers, takes time to complete, not communicative, tend to be simple.
 * Questions may be simple and not allow for higher order thinking. Can be ambiguous as to what the teacher is looking for in terms of an answer. (size of the blank spot, more then on blank spot) These types of questions do not work on writing skills for students

**//Tips //**

 * Make sure to try and reference in the question where the answer can be found. From our lecture notes... from the textbook in chapter...
 * Go through the material and pull out single sentence concepts or principles/facts that the students should know or be aware of and then form these into full sentences. Now remove one or more of the words in the sentence and replace with blanks.
 * Questions could be designed in a way that answers can fit into more than one question. (Increases the difficulty level)

**Considerations for Identified Students**

 * Word Bank – The creation of a word bank: This simplifies the test design which may be beneficial for identified or applied students, (modification). This eliminates the ambiguity of possible answers given by students. The number of blanks, size of the blanks could be made to fit exactly with pre-determined answers in the word bank. Keep the number of blanks short. Use colour or pictures to help students identify where the answers may be found. An open book test or providing a dictionary may be helpful to identified or ESL students.
 * Designing – Keep answers simple and limited to as few words as possible. Provide answers that allow for common spelling mistakes, provide answers that allow for abbreviations or partial answers. Create the question that indicates the students the best way to answer. Phrase the question so that there is only one answer.

**//<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">References/Resources //**

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|www.ehow.com]


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|www.edutech.ch/vista/docs/HOWTOs/VISO45E_FillBlankTest.php]


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"[|Handbook of test development]"
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|www.edutech.ch/vista/docs/.../VIS045E_FillBlankTest.php]


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Advantages[|: http://www.mdfaconline.org/modules/module_c05/module_c5.html]
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Disadvantages [|: http://coerll.utexas.edu/methods/modules/assessment/02/fib.php]