Pros and Cons of Voting Methods - Exit Ticket

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Overview

In this activity, students will use an exit ticket to describe the pros and cons of the voting methods: Pluarilty, Instant Run-Off, and Borda Count. The exit ticket will be used to evaluate students' understanding of the voting methods.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Applications of Finite Mathematics

MA19.FM.23

Apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot voting system, including plurality, majority, run-off with majority, sequential run-off with majority, Borda count, pairwise comparison, Condorcet, and approval voting.

UP:MA19.FM.23

Vocabulary

  • Ranked choice voting or preferential ballot voting
  • Plurality winner
  • Majority winner
  • Runoff method
  • Simple majority
  • Sequential runoff (instant runoff) method
  • Borda count
  • Condorcet method
  • Approval voting

Knowledge

Students know:

  • Basic voting methods such as single choice ballots.

Skills

Students are able to:

  • Interpret data from ranked-choice voting ballots or summarized in preference schedules.
  • Use data to determine an election winner using a variety of methods.
  • Compare and contrast the methods and their results.

Understanding

Students understand that:

  • Various election methods can be used to achieve a group decision from the preferences of the individuals of the group.

Body

  1. Apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot voting system, including plurality, majority, run-off with majority, sequential run-off with majority, Borda count, pairwise comparison, Condorcet, and approval voting.

Learning Objectives

Students will apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot voting system, including plurality, run-off with the majority, and  Borda count.

Activity Details

The teacher will:

  1. Review voting methods using the Time to Tally (During Activity) Desmos activity.
  2. Direct each student to the "Pros and Cons of Voting Methods" exit ticket.
  3. The teacher will instruct the students to make a copy of the exit ticket so they can complete the activity independently and turn it into the teacher. 
  4. Instruct the students to follow the directions and answer the prompts provided in the activity independently.  
  5. After every student has turned in their exit ticket, the teacher will use the students' responses to have a discussion on the pros and cons of each voting method.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will review the student responses to evaluate students' understanding of the voting methods and will use the responses to determine the next steps in instruction.

Variation Tips

  • Students could work in pairs to complete this activity.
  • If students do not have access to a device, the activity could be done as a whole group activity or provide a paper copy of the activity.

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to ensure the classroom has the following:

  • internet connection (WiFi).
  • classroom set of computers, iPads, or smart devices. (If allowed students can use their own personal devices.)

Prior to the lesson:

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