Exit Slip Variations
At a Glance
- Time: 2-3 minutes
- Prep: Minimal (slips or digital form)
- Group: Individual
- Setting: Any
- Subjects: Universal
- Energy: Low
Purpose
Gather rich formative assessment data at lesson's end through targeted prompts beyond basic exit tickets—using formats like 3-2-1, PMI (Plus-Minus-Interesting), or creative analogies to reveal depth of understanding and identify next-day instructional needs.
How It Works
- Select format (10 sec) - Choose exit slip variation matched to lesson goal
- Students write (2 min) - Students complete prompt on paper or device as lesson closes
- Collect and review (after class) - Teacher reviews responses to plan next lesson
What to Say
Opening: "Exit slip! 3-2-1 format: Write 3 key concepts from today, 2 examples that illustrate them, 1 question you still have. You have 2 minutes before you leave."
During: [Circulates] "Be specific in your examples... Make your question something you genuinely wonder about..."
Closing: "Place your slips in the basket as you exit. I'll read these tonight to see what to review tomorrow."
Why It Works
End-of-lesson timing captures learning while fresh. Different formats reveal different cognitive processes: synthesis (3-2-1), evaluation (PMI), transfer (analogies). Written responses provide documentation for tracking patterns across class.
Research Connection: Exit tickets provide formative data that informs adaptive teaching and improve learning outcomes (Marzano, 2012; William & Thompson, 2007).
Teacher Tip
Rotate exit slip formats to avoid routine fatigue. Monday: 3-2-1. Wednesday: PMI. Friday: "Explain to a 5th grader." Variety maintains engagement and assesses different thinking skills.
Variations
Formats:
- 3-2-1: 3 things learned, 2 connections, 1 question
- PMI: Plus (what was good), Minus (what was challenging), Interesting (what intrigued you)
- Teach a Child: Explain concept as if to younger student
- Emoji Summary: Draw 3 emojis representing your learning journey today
- Analogy Exit: "Today's lesson is like ___ because ___"
- Application: When will you use this knowledge in real life?
Ages: K-5: Drawing-based or sentence frames; 6-12: Paragraph responses; College: Critical analysis or research questions
Online
Google Form with varied question types. Set up recurring forms for each variation type. Export responses to spreadsheet for pattern analysis.
Troubleshooting
Students rush/write minimal responses: "Your exit slip is your ticket to leave—give me enough detail that I can truly understand your thinking."
Extension
Public exit display: Create anonymous word cloud from exit slip responses, display next class: "Here's what we learned yesterday. Let's address these three patterns..."
Related: Exit Tickets, 3-2-1 List