<![CDATA[This study was conducted because of the differences in students' interest in the practice and theory subjects. Students are more interested in the practice than theory lessons. According to Muhibbin Syah interest is a great inclination toward something. Interest is something that are influenced by internal factors and external factors in human beings. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors that influence students' interest towards practical subjects and the reasons why students are less enthusiastic on the subjects of theory. This study was held at SMK Negeri 2 Karanganyar. This study used a qualitative research with a descriptive approach. Sources of data in this study were the teacher, the eleventh grade students and learning environment in SMK N 2 Karanganyar. The data collection technique were using the questionnaire, observation, interviews, documentation or records. The validity of the data were using triangulation methods and sources. Analysis of the data in this study was the interactive analysis model. The results showed that some of the internal factors that affect student interest are attention span which is high with 57,14%, curiosity which is high with 54.76%, motivation which is very high with 52.38% and the students? needs which is high with 70.24%. External factors that affect student interest are support from parents which is high with 61.91%, teachers which is high with 66.67%, friends which is 53.57% or high, school?s facilities is moderate with 40,48% and social environment which is high with 64.29%. The reason students are less interested in the theoretical lessons are (1) teachers, teachers are often too monotonous in teaching, are underestimating students, and are too rapid in conveying the learning materials, (2) motivation, most of the students assume the practice is more important, (3) friends, students are easily affected to their friend demeanor. ]]>
