Low-Stakes Writing Benefits

• Students learn more when required to articulate their knowledge in writing

• Can help students keep up with reading• Can help students better understand course

concepts • Asks students to take a more active role in the

course vs passive learning

Adapted from “Integrating Low-Stakes Writing Into Large Classes,” Sweetland Center for Writing, University of Michigan

Low Stakes Writing Benefits

• Reinforces critical thinking, chance to grapple with course concepts, practice problem solving without same pressure as high stakes assignments

• Focus on content vs polish • Low-stakes writing provides scaffolding for high-stakes

assignments

Low Stakes vs High Stakes

• High-stakes tasks typically make up a larger percentage of the overall course grade

• Low-stakes tasks account for less of the overall grade and are evaluated based on the level of engagement, if at all

Features

• Engagement vs polish • Requires minimal response• Should encourage synthesis of ideas and course

content• Deepens learning

Features

• Fosters engagement among students and between you and students

• Helps with assessment • Integrated throughout the course

Responding

• Various levels of response • Collect especially at first• Check system• Assessment