Ever wonder if your students are actually grasping the material you’re teaching?  Sure, quizzes and tests are important, but they can take time to create and grade. Enter the humble exit ticket: a quick, formative assessment tool that packs a big punch.

What are Exit Tickets?

Exit tickets are short, written responses students complete at the end of a lesson. They take just a few minutes and can be as simple as a single question or a brief reflection.  The beauty of exit tickets lies in their versatility.  Here are some ways to use them:

• Gauge understanding: See if students grasped the key concepts of the lesson. Ask them to summarize a main point, explain a term, or apply a new skill.
• Identify confusion: If many students struggle with a particular question, it’s a red flag that you might need to revisit the topic.
• Promote reflection: Encourage students to think critically about the lesson. Ask them to connect new information to prior learning or share their opinions.
• Gather feedback: Use exit tickets to get student input on the lesson itself. Did they find the activities engaging? Was the pace appropriate?

Making the Most of Exit Tickets

Here are some tips for using exit tickets effectively:

• Keep it short and sweet. Students should be able to complete the exit ticket in a few minutes, at most.
• Vary the format. Don’t get stuck in a rut! Use open-ended questions, multiple choice, drawings, or even mini-presentations.
• Connect to learning objectives. Make sure your exit ticket questions directly relate to the goals of the lesson.
• Provide clear instructions. Let students know exactly what you expect from their responses.
• Use the information! Review exit tickets after class to identify areas for improvement and plan future lessons.

Exit tickets are a win-win for teachers and students.  They provide valuable feedback for teachers while empowering students to take ownership of their learning.  So, next time you’re wrapping up a lesson, consider using an exit ticket.  It might just be the ticket to better teaching (and learning!)  in your classroom.