Did you ever have one of those classes where everything just went great? Your explanations were elegant and succinct. Students were volunteering left and right. Group work moved like a well-oiled machine? Those are the days I live for.
Sadly, those come along only once in a while. Often, I would feel good, but leave class somewhat unsure as to how a few students are doing.
I love this simple method for avoiding that less-than-desirable feeling:
Hand each student a half-sheet of paper with the following questions on them:
1. Name (optional)
2. What is one idea from today's class that you feel like you really understood well?
3. What is one idea from today's class that you need more help with?
4. What is one question you would like me to explain next class?
Try it 5 full minutes before class ends. Student can leave after they complete this "exit ticket" and put it directly in your hand.
Try it every day, in every class, for one week. Let us know what happened in the comments below.
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