Manifestations of non-interest: Exploring the situated nature of students’ interest

Abstract

Widespread initiatives to promote learning in school by connecting to students’ long-standing interests are challenged by increasing recognition that actual experiences of interest are always situated. This study examines moments of non-interest: moments where students engage with a sustained object of interest, yet no actual experience of interest occurs. Sixty students aged 14–26 years repeatedly used a smartphone application to report on their interest. Within the 747 events that reflected non-interest, five manifestations were identified: resignation before engaging, detachment, disappointment and frustration during engagement, and subsequent regret. Together these manifestations emphasize the dynamic and experiential nature of long-standing interest, and demonstrate how a student's purpose with an object is key in the manifestation of (non-)interest, both in- and outside school.