Consider this document itself. No one would expect any person interested in playing a sport, say basketball, to demonstrate a high level of performance just because of interest. One can argue from either side, but what has to be understood is that the definitions and assumptions, stated or implied, have a direct bearing on the conclusions. As Fawcett noted, an education which emphasizes factual knowledge is not likely to produce students competent in critical thinking. A common question uttered in classrooms throughout the country.
Students believe that the only information worth knowing is that which is to be tested.
In the business world there are many tasks which must be followed according to a performance approach, but often success is derived by first learning these skills, then going beyond minimal understanding. Students with initiative can design their own educational program. For example, technology has made a major impact on the mathematics curriculum. Although one can be taught to use these tools in a traditional classroom course, the timing is usually such that the need to use the tools precedes the teaching of the course. Therefore, the successful students are those who take the initiative to learn how to use these tools.