"Low stakes" writing assignments like summary writing, freewriting and journaling, done inside or outside the classroom, can be used to increase student engagement in the course material and as a way to increase student participation in classroom discussions - all without increasing faculty workload!  For ideas and samples, check out the "Faculty Resources" section of www.depaul.edu/writing.  For help adapting any of these ideas for your particular course, contact Marion Wilson, Assistant Director for Faculty Support in the Center for Writing-based Learning, at 773-325-8353.