Which of the following is not a method to assess student motivation?

Requiring students to memorize definitions does not directly assess student motivation. Instead, this method focuses on rote memorization, which may not provide insight into a student's interest or enthusiasm for learning. The objective of assessing motivation is to understand the reasons behind a student's engagement and drive in their studies.

In contrast, surveys about interests effectively gather information regarding what engages students, allowing educators to tailor instruction to foster enthusiasm. Observations of classroom behavior can reveal how actively students participate and whether they show excitement or disengagement during learning activities. Additionally, discussions about goals allow educators to gauge students’ ambitions and commitment to their learning, thus providing valuable insights into their motivation. These methods directly relate to a student's desire to learn and succeed, making them appropriate for assessing motivation.