The discussion on autonomy was helpful to me. I have been quite resistant to allowing students to detemine what may be done in class for fear that it would most likely compromise the day's lesson plan. I'm beginning to rethink my misgivings. I now realize that autonomy can strongly influence student motivation. The key is to figure out how to give up some control to the students without compromising the lesson plan. Students can be allowed to make certain decisions during daily activities that really have no negative effect on that day's lesson. For instance, I can give students the choice of making their brownies with or without nuts or let them decide in which order they can perform their assigned tasks. By giving students the freedom to make these small choices, it seems to please and motivate them.