3 Examples of Exit Tickets for Active Learning

Discover practical examples of exit tickets to enhance active learning and test prep techniques.
By Taylor

Introduction to Exit Tickets

Exit tickets are a powerful active learning technique used at the end of a lesson to gauge student understanding and gather feedback. They provide valuable insights into what students have learned, what they might be struggling with, and how you can adjust future lessons. By implementing exit tickets, educators can create a more responsive and engaging learning environment. Here are three diverse examples of exit tickets that can be easily integrated into your classroom activities.

1. The One-Minute Summary

In this example, students are asked to summarize the key points from the day’s lesson in just one minute. This technique is particularly useful in subjects like history or science, where understanding core concepts is crucial.

At the end of the class, the teacher hands out index cards or asks students to write in their notebooks. They prompt them with the question: “What are the three main takeaways from today’s lesson?” Students write down their summaries, which encourages them to reflect on the material.

This exit ticket not only reinforces learning but also allows the teacher to quickly assess which concepts were understood and which need further clarification. If multiple students struggle with the same point, the teacher can adjust the next lesson to revisit that topic.

Notes/Variations

  • Instead of three takeaways, you can ask for a single sentence summary for younger students or for topics that are less complex.
  • To increase engagement, consider allowing students to share their summaries with a partner before submitting them.

2. The Emotion Meter

The Emotion Meter is a creative exit ticket that helps educators gauge students’ feelings about the lesson. This technique is great for subjects that involve discussion, such as literature or social studies, where emotional responses can enhance understanding.

At the end of the class, the teacher provides students with a simple chart or a digital tool where they can indicate how they felt about the lesson. They can choose from options like: 😊 (happy), 😐 (neutral), or 😞 (confused). Along with the emoji, students are encouraged to write a brief explanation for their choice.

This exit ticket provides insight into not just what students learned, but how they felt about the lesson, allowing the teacher to tailor future classes to better meet students’ emotional and educational needs.

Notes/Variations

  • To make this even more engaging, consider using colored sticky notes or a digital polling tool that allows for anonymous responses.
  • You can extend this idea by asking students to suggest one thing that could improve future lessons based on their feelings.

3. The Question Box

The Question Box exit ticket encourages students to ask questions about the lesson or topics they are unsure about. This technique is effective in any subject and promotes a culture of inquiry and curiosity.

At the end of the lesson, the teacher sets up a physical or digital Question Box where students can anonymously submit their questions. The prompt could be: “What is one question you still have about today’s topic?” This not only allows students to express their uncertainties but also gives the teacher a roadmap for future lessons.

By reviewing the questions, the teacher can identify common themes or topics that require more in-depth exploration in the next session, ensuring that all students have a clear understanding before moving on.

Notes/Variations

  • Consider having students submit their questions via an online platform like Google Classroom or Padlet, which can also foster class discussion during the next lesson.
  • To encourage deeper thinking, you can ask students to formulate a question that extends beyond the lesson, such as relating the topic to real-world applications.

These examples of exit tickets offer a variety of ways to assess understanding and foster active learning in your classroom. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more dynamic and responsive educational environment.