This paper suggests a simple exercise that facilitates active learning by embedding regular opportunities for student participation within the structure of an undergraduate course. This exercise involves the use of in-class participation assignments, which are adaptations of a popular classroom assessment technique, the one-minute paper. While likewise serving as an assessment tool, the suggested exercise is also able to address an additional range of instructional challenges, such as stimulating critical thinking, facilitating engagement with course materials, encouraging participation, and motivating preparation.