ABSTRACT
If authors want to promote intrinsic motivation among students, they must first help students discover their interests and facilitate the development of these interests. Instead, situational interests may manifest as a result of an interesting discussion in class about World War II that leads to some Internet searches to learn more about the topic. For example, the student who followed up class discussion with Internet searches about World War II may be captivated by the behaviors exhibited by people during that time in history. Beyond Internet searches, this student reads about psychology and may seek courses or independent study, find expert-mentors, or even pursue a major in psychology. Further, if exposure is critical to the development of interests that lead to talent development, then the authors must also consider access. Educators matter in interest and academic talent development, especially for students who may experience many life moments vicariously through the examples and stories shared in the classroom.
