Why Use Exit Tickets?

We see recommendations to use exit tickets regularly in class but one often wonders why use them in the math class.  Why even use them at all because its one more thing to use in class because its just one more thing to keep track of in class?

Exit tickets are like thermometers where the teacher checks overall student understanding.  They can be used to check for student understanding on a topic so the teacher knows if they need reteaching or if they are ready to move on.

In addition, the exit ticket provides information on if the whole concept needs reteaching or if a small point needs clarification such as if you multiply or divide by a negative, the sign changes.

Furthermore, exit tickets help students understand that the material is important and they are accountable for learning it.  It helps them synthesize the material, helps them move it from short term to long term memory because they are accessing it.

Another plus for using exit tickets is that students have to learn to communicate in writing.  If the teacher checks answers and has questions, they can clarify points to understand student thinking better.

If you do not currently use exit tickets, it is recommended you start slow.  Perhaps use it once a week and only on one or two topics.  It is suggested teachers do not grade exit tickets because its an assessment tool designed to provide data for instruction.  It lets the teacher focus on students who still don't quite have it with a bit extra instruction while provided more advanced problems for those who "have it".

To create an effective exit ticket does not take much.  Just follow a few simple rules:

1.  It is linked to the objective of the lesson.
2.  Focus on one skill or concept taught that day.
3.  Questions may be multiple choice, short answer, or require a couple of sentences.
4.  Exit tickets should have no more than 5 questions but fewer are usually better.
5.  Students should be able to finish the ticket in a few minutes.

The questions should not require a simple yes or no answer because that give no information.  Exit tickets should have questions that assess understanding, allow student to demonstrate the concept through work, or application of the concept.  You might create a problem based on the day's topic that could show up on a test redone, discuss how the topic could be used in real life, rate your understanding of the topic based on a 1 to 10 scale, or write a short paragraph on the day's lesson.

In addition, it is quite easy to set up digital exit tickets using google forms, or other app so you don't have tons of paper to keep track of.  More on this topic in a while.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.