Experience and realities clash because the professor's goals, although admirable, do not take into consideration that the student may not be genuinely interested in the subject matter assigned. Merely researching an assigned topic without considering its value to the student is a pitfall. On the other hand, allowing the student to select a topic within the constraints of the subject matter allows the student to be interested and engaged in the subject matter while simultaneously learning. Thus, the professor can achieve his or her goal and the student feels that they have accomplished a goal and have a sense of academic fulfillment.