What enthused Thomas Alfa Edison to read so much that all the books available in the library in his city (including works of English Literature, American History, and scientific books) were completely consumed when he was eight to eleven years old? Why is Lionel Messi willing to drain his energy and keep on passionately practicing football since he was four years? Various researches on motivation show that they are two examples of people who have succeeded in developing an interest in a particular field. In all types of professions, occupations, and activities (including in learning), interest plays a central role and promotes success. It triggers a positive attitude and encourages an individual to pay attention and be involved in what he is interested in. This article discusses two types of interests and reveals how to use them to succeed in studies.
Interest is the feeling that encourages someone to favor, care, appreciate, pay attention, and is involved in an activity, object, or phenomenon. Dewey (1913, p. 17) described it as ‘‘being engaged, engrossed, or entirely taken up with’’ an activity, object, or topic. In daily life, if we are interested in something, we will care, like, appreciate, consider it important, want to know more, and voluntarily afford time and energy to it. In short, we put all the priorities to our interest. Interest is seen in phrases such as “I like playing tennis”, “His interest in preserving Lake Toba environment is high”, “She likes Jazz “, or Lily is fond of teaching.”
Interests have two types: individual and situational (Renninger, 2000). Individual interest is permanent, long-lasting, and describes the character of the owner. Edison’s interest in reading and Messi’s interest in football … (to proceed reading, please click here) ……..
Universitas Kristen Indonesia 