Allowing learners greater control over the practice conditions tends to produce which of the following outcomes?

• A. Decreased motivation
• B. Unchanged performance
• C. More actively engaged
• D. Slower skill acquisition

Answer: (C)

Allowing learners to control practice conditions taps into autonomy, which strengthens intrinsic motivation. When students choose aspects like which drill to do, the order, feedback timing, or targets, they feel ownership over their learning. That sense of choice boosts focus, persistence, and willingness to engage with challenging tasks. With higher engagement, they invest more effort, monitor their own progress, and adjust strategies more effectively, leading to deeper practice and better skill development. So the outcome you’d expect is that learners become more actively engaged during practice. The other options don’t align with this effect, since autonomy support typically increases motivation and involvement rather than reducing them, and tends to lead to changes in performance rather than leaving it unchanged or progressing more slowly.