Motivation research could profitably represent students as critics of schooling, rather than simply "active" learners of the lessons presented to them or perceivers of classroom climate, and engage students in dialogue about the nature and ends of education. We review complementary interview and ethnographic research on but one of the many topics that could be addressed from this perspective: students' interpretations of classroom tests and test-like assignments and their conceptions of fair and effective practices for implementing tests. Conceptions of testing change with age, whereas theories about the role of testing seem to reflect the existing school context. Students' critiques of school activities can be considered motivation rather than cognitions that mediate motivation. Research of this type might be of value to educators who seek to involve students more fully in the construction of the purposes that govern their own education.