This exceptional volume analyzes the intricate roles interest plays in cognition, motivation and learning, and daily living, with a special focus on its development and maintenance across life domains. Leading experts discuss a spectrum of interest ranging from curiosity to obsession, and trace its functions in goal-setting, decision-making, self-regulation, and performance. New research refines the current knowledge on student interest in educational settings and the social contexts of interest, with insights into why interest levels change during engagement and in the long run. From these findings, contributors address ways to foster and nurture interest in the therapy room and the classroom, for optimum benefits throughout life. Among the topics covered: * Embedding interest within self-regulation. * Knowledge acquisition at the intersection of situational and individual interest. * The role of interest in motivation and engagement. * The two faces of passion. * Creative geniuses, polymaths, child prodigies, and autistic savants. * The promotion and development of interest. A robust guide to a fascinating area of study, The Science of Interest synthesizes the field's current knowledge of interest and indicates future directions. Its chapters contribute depth and rigor to this growing area of research, and will enhance the work of researchers in education, psychologists, social scientists, and public policymakers.

A gripping, inspiring, true story of God at work in Russia and war-torn Chechnya in the 1990s. Paula O'Keefe, a petite, slender, British girl, fresh out of university, sets off alone, into the unknown, to obey the call of God. Unwittingly she steps into a major revival sweeping the former Soviet Union. After seventy long years of oppression, communism has finally fallen and doors to preaching the gospel have swung wide open. Thousands are turning to Christ. Then God leads Paula to a region devastated by war. You will discover that right in the midst of great pain and suffering, Jesus is working miracle after miracle, time and again rescuing Paula and friends from danger, providing for orphans, widows and refugees, and healing those broken in body, mind and spirit. Along the way God restores Paula herself from childhood abuse and trauma. This compelling story of an ordinary young woman serving a miracle-working God will inspire you to believe God for the impossible in your own life. You will find that no situation is beyond His help - that He can turn everything around for you too. You will be encouraged that God can use anyone with a willing heart to change the world. And as you take steps to reach out to others in their desperation, letting Jesus' love flow through you, your life and theirs will never be the same.