Principles of increasing interest in science, in particular for the study of foreign languages

Abstract

Interest is a powerful motivational process that energizes learning, guides academic

and career trajectories, and is essential to academic success. Interest is both a psychological state of

attention and affect toward a particular object or topic, and an enduring predisposition to reengage

over time. Integrating these two definitions, the four-phase model of interest development guides

interventions that promote interest and capitalize on existing interests. Four interest-enhancing

interventions seem useful: attention-getting settings, contexts evoking prior individual interest,

problem-based learning, and enhancing utility value. Promoting interest can contribute to a more

engaged, motivated, learning experience for students.