That's a separate issue, but then the solution is not to have assignments at all to avoid distraction, not have them without grading. The other dichotomy is al

That's a separate issue, but then the solution is not to have assignments at all to avoid distraction, not have them without grading. The other dichotomy is also strange, especially since the only person with an actual job is the professor - it is in fact his direct responsibility to structure the course, including incentives, to achieve the best learning.