Précis

"There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest." - Confucius

The easiest thing in the world is to create an assignment and give a grade for it; it's more difficult, and more relevant and rewarding, to create an assessment which helps the student reflect upon their practice. This can cultivate habits which, in turn, make a student take responsibility for their education, rather than sitting back passively with an attitude that says "Teach me." ; instead, we want students to say, "Help me learn."