Exit tickets are a staple in many classrooms, offering a quick way to gauge student understanding. But what if we could take them a step further?  Student choice in exit tickets can boost engagement, cater to different learning styles, and give students a voice in their learning.

Why Student Choice Matters

Traditional exit tickets often follow a one-size-fits-all approach.  This can leave some students feeling disengaged, especially those who don’t excel at writing or traditional test formats.  By offering choice, we unlock the potential for a more meaningful assessment experience.

How to Implement Student Choice

Here are some creative ways to incorporate student choice in your exit tickets:

• Menu of Options: Provide a list of 2-3 prompts with varying difficulty or format (e.g., write a short summary, create a comic strip explaining a concept, answer a multiple-choice question). Students choose the option that best suits their learning style and strengths.
• Open-Ended Choice: Pose a broad question like “What was the most important thing you learned today?” and allow students to choose how they respond (written answer, drawing, short video reflection).
• Creative Formats: Let students choose between writing a traditional response, creating a digital exit ticket using a tool like Padlet or Mentimeter, or even recording a quick voice note summarizing the lesson.

Benefits of Student Choice Exit Tickets

The advantages of student choice in exit tickets are numerous:

• Increased Engagement: Students are more likely to be invested in completing an exit ticket they feel some control over.
• Differentiation: Catering to different learning styles ensures every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding.
• Deeper Learning: Choice encourages students to think critically about the material and connect with it in a way that resonates with them.
• Student Agency: Giving students a say in their learning fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Getting Started with Student Choice

Start small! Introduce student choice with a few exit tickets throughout a unit.  Observe student responses and adjust your approach based on their preferences and your learning goals.  Remember, the key is to offer meaningful choices that align with your curriculum.

Student choice exit tickets aren’t just about assessment; they’re about fostering an environment where students feel empowered to take charge of their learning.  So, give it a try and watch your exit tickets transform from a simple check-in to a powerful learning tool!