The logistics of large classes complicate the use of writing, which is unfortunate because of writing's crucial role in the educational process. The unique generative attributes of writing can facilitate learning. It is one means by which students can report their growing knowledge and engage in dialogue with instructors and peers.
Writing also assists students in reinforcing information that is presented in class.
Moreover, students develop communication skills through writing, such as audience awareness, focused presentation, and revision strategies. Writing in class under a teacher's guidance is one of the best ways for majors to build the specialized vocabulary of the field of study and to learn the conventions and expectations of its written communication. Writing for learning purposes does not require extensive amounts of class time and, because it is intended for students' collection and exploration of ideas, it does not need extensive grading. In this day of instant access to papers on the Internet, an assignment that is course-specific and relatively new provides the best prevention against plagiarism. Assigning students to a specific teaching assistant, who will review their papers, will help, as will explaining the importance of academic integrity.