If, then, you wish to insure the interest of your pupils, there is only one way to do it; and that is to make certain that they have something in their minds to attend with, when you begin to talk. That something can consist in nothing but a previous lot of ideas already interesting in themselves, and of such a nature that the incoming novel objects which you present can dovetail into them and form with them some kind of a logically associated or systematic whole. (p. 49)
Interest must have a practical connection. James is correct that if we are to engage and then maintain our student’s interest then the instruction must tie into to something that they are already interested in. Or at least the instruction must be exciting enough as to compete and overshadow whatever episode that may be playing in the conscious of their mind. I am in agreement that association can play a vital role in making a subject that is not necessarily interesting take on a completely different view, but is association enough. What appears to be the mundane suddenly has a place of prominence. If you are able to accomplish this task with the most disengaged of all the students, then the battle for interest and focus becomes much more attainable.
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