Create Questionnaires (Forms)

It is easy to create forms with MS Word. Forms can be used for tests, homework assignments, surveys, or any other situation where it is desirable for the audience to be able to input data (e.g. answers) into a structured document, without being able to change the structure (e.g. questions) of the document.

First, open a new, blank document. Go to the View menu, select Toolbars and make sure the following are checked:

• Standard
• Formatting
• Drawing
• Forms

Next, you'll begin using the Forms toolbar to insert text fields, checkboxes and drop-down menus. Refer to the figure below as noted in the following steps.

I suggest that you start by using the Align Right button in the Formatting Toolbar (a.) and type "Name: " in the upper-right corner.

Click the Text Form Field button (b.) and insert a field where the student will be able to enter their name. Use the right-arrow key on your keyboard to de-select the name field, then hit return and add a spot for the date in a similar fashion.

Double-click the date field (c.) and specify "Current date" under the "Type:" drop-down menu, then click OK. Use the right-arrow key on your keyboard to de-select the date field, then hit return. 

Center-align or left-align your heading (e.g. Practice Questions) with the appropriate button in the formatting toolbar (to the left of a.). Left align your first question and type it out.

Tip: If using a numbered or bulleted list, hold the shift key while hitting return to keep the next line indented with the line before.

In the example, a Text Form Field (b.) was used again for question 1.

A Drop-Down menu field was added for question 2 as follows:

1. Put the cursor where the menu will be located and click the Drop-Down Menu Field button (e.).
2. Double-click the field you just inserted (e.) and add the possible menu choices.

A series of Check Box Form Fields were used for question 3.

Use the following buttons in the Forms toolbar as desired (in order from left to right in the toolbar):

• Text Form Field (b.)
• Check Box Form Field (f.) 
• Drop-Down Form Field (e.)

When you are creating questions and answer fields, go to the Tools menu and select Protect Document... Select Forms and, optionally enter a password, then click OK. Save the file and you have a form that can only be modified in the fields you created. If you want to go back and change the questions, click the Tools menu and select Unprotect Document.

See Create and Upload Curriculum for instructions on how to get your forms on-line where students can download them easily.