To
simplify an understanding about reading interest, thus in this discuss will be
analyzed the meaning of Reading Interest. In language way the interest is meant
high heart ability toward anything. Interest is relatively nature permanent in
one self. Interest is having very big influence toward someone activity because
with interest he/she will to do anything what he or she is interested. In turn,
without interest someone is impossible to do anything. Following Sudirman A. M. (1988) state that
interest is meant as occurs condition if anyone see a characteristics and
temporary mean a situation connected with one self-desires or needs.
Furthermore, Follow Zakiah (1995), meaning as interest is spirit tendency deal
with something valuable for people. From some identified definition by experts
as mentioned above can be conclusion that, interest is someone tendency toward
object or desire activity accompanying with happy feeling, presence an
attention and make activity.
Among the many conceptualizations of
interest the most common are to consider interest as a state and/or as a disposition. It has also been demonstrated that
interest has both cognitive and affective (emotional) components. Margery R. Bernstein (1954) quote: Interest is
viewed as a complex feeling or
attitude derived from three sources: (1)
characteristics of the reader, including physical and emotional well-being
at the time of reading, background of
experience, favorite hobbies and occupations,
and ability to understand the selection; (2) factors inherent in the reading matter itself,
including form, style, and organization of the writing; and
(3) interaction of the
reader and the material, including the
extent to which the material
stimulates the reader’s
imagination, fulfills his needs, or arouses his
emotions.
Individual interest has been viewed
as a relatively long-lasting predisposition to reengage with particular objects
and events. Increased knowledge, value, and positive affect have been connected
with individual interest. Students bring to their academic experience a network
of individual interests, some similar to and some incompatible with classroom learning. Social
categories such as gender and race also function as individual interest factors
that may affect classroom engagement.
Situational interest refers to a
psychological state elicited by environmental stimuli. The state is characterized by
focused attention and an immediate affective reaction. The affective component
is generally positive, although it may also include some negative emotions.
Situational sources of interest in learning contexts may be particularly
relevant for educators working with students who do not have performed
individual interests in their school activities.
Although differences exist between situational
and individual interest, they are not dichotomous phenomena. First,
both situational and individual interests include an affective component and
culminate in the psychological state of interest. Such a state is characterized
by focused attention, increased cognitive functioning, and increased and
persistent activity. Second,
investigators concede that both types of interest are content specific
and emerge from the interaction of the person and aspects in the environment. Third, numerous researchers recognize
that situational and individual interests may interact. In the absence of the
other, the role of individual or situational interest may be particularly
important. For example, individual interest in a subject may help individuals
deal with relevant but boring texts, while situational interest generated by
texts may sustain motivation even when individuals have no particular interest in
the topic. In addition, situational interest may develop over time into
individual interest.