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Fractional Model (Construct)

The Fraction Model (Construct) item type asks students to build a visual representation of a fraction by specifying the total number of parts and the number of shaded parts. The platform then renders a corresponding fraction model (a rectangular grid) based on the student's input.

Key Characteristics​

  • Students construct a fraction by entering two values:
    • Total number of equal parts
    • Number of shaded parts
  • The visual model is automatically generated—authors do not configure grid shapes.
  • Responses are automatically scored.
  • Ideal for assessing fraction construction and part-whole reasoning.

Instructional Connection​

This item type is best used to evaluate a student's conceptual grasp of fractions, particularly how wholes are divided and how parts relate to those wholes. It encourages students to build, not just identify, a fraction—making it useful in early math instruction or any unit emphasizing number sense and proportional thinking.

Authoring a Fraction Model (Construct) Question​

From the item editor, click on:

  1. Click on +Question.
  2. From the list of question types, select Fraction Model (Construct).

Enter the Prompt​

In the Prompt field, provide clear instructions for the task.

  • Example: “Divide the granola bar into equal parts and shade the portion you ate.”
tip

Ensure the prompt clearly specifies what students are expected to do, including any particular values or ranges.

Select the Shape Type​

Choose the visual style of the model: Bar or Pie.

  • This determines how the fraction will be visually constructed by the student.
  • Use Bar for rectangular grids and Pie for circular fraction visuals.

Define the Correct Answer​

  1. In the Parts field, enter the total number of equal parts in the whole (denominator).
  2. In the Shaded Parts field, enter the number of parts that should be shaded (numerator).
tip

Always Preview your item. In the preview, click Reveal Key to confirm that all content—such as correct answers, placement, or visual elements—appears exactly as intended. This is the quickest and most reliable way to check your setup before saving.

Save the Item​

Click Save to store your item in Studio.