Optional vs. required vs. prohibited

Are you more likely to do something when it’s optional, required, or prohibited? Which frame of a task energizes you more?

For example, what if the reading lists in English class weren’t framed with required reading—but completely optional ones? What if the descriptors were creative and interesting enough to get students to give it a try? What if some portion of the list was prohibited—would it entice some students enough to draw their attention?

In this scenario, there still needs to be some structure. What if the class was just 90 minutes of free-reading? You had to put your phone on Airplane mode, just spend the time with a book or stare outside the window, and ask the teacher if you had any questions.

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