ABSTRACT
In everyday language usage we tend to use the terms curiosity and interest interchangeably. Curiosity and interest have been associated with more positive attitudes towards learning. Interest can be divided into situational (the catch) and individual (the hold) interest. Classifying interest as an emotion is problematic and controversial, but then again, so are theories surrounding what constitutes an emotion. It is clear that interest can enhance motivation and that this in turn leads to higher achievement outcomes. There is also strong evidence suggesting that individual interest plays a facilitating role in academic self-regulation. Curiosity can be seen as a positive activating emotion. Teachers can nurture curiosity and interest by making topics relevant and creating the element of surprise or awe. Those students who display high levels of interest in a particular area could be given more autonomy so that interest is maintained.
