12 Questions eLearning Developers Should Answer

Motivate Your Learners Based on The ARCS Model

Dr John Keller’s motivational design model, known as the ARCS model, is comprised of four major factors that influence the motivation to learn – Attention, Relevance, Confidence and Satisfaction. It’s described as a problem-solving model and helps designers identify and solve specific motivational problems related to the appeal of instruction. The model was developed after a comprehensive review and synthesis of motivation concepts and research studies.

The four categories of motivation variables comprise of sub-categories along with process questions to consider when designing eLearning (or any kind of learning):

Attention
Capturing the interest of learners, stimulating their curiosity to learn.

1. Perceptual Arousal
   What can I do to capture their interest?
2. Inquiry Arousal
   How can I stimulate an attitude of inquiry?
3. Variability
   How can I maintain their attention?

Relevance
Meeting the personal needs/goals of the learner to affect a positive attitude.

1. Goal Orientation
   How can I best meet my learner’s needs?
2. Motive Matching
   How and when can I provide my learners with appropriate choices, responsibilities and influences?
3. Familiarity
   How can I tie the instruction to the learners’ experience?

Confidence
Helping the learners believe/feel that they will succeed and control their success.

1. Learning Requirements
   How can I assist in building a positive expectation for success?
2. Success Opportunities
   How will the learning experience support or enhance the learners’ beliefs in their competence?
3. Personal Control
   How will learners clearly know their success is based upon their efforts and abilities?

Satisfaction
Reinforcing accomplishment with rewards (internal and external).

1. Natural ConsequencesHow can I provide meaningful opportunities for learners to use their newly acquired knowledge/skill?
2. Positive ConsequencesWhat will provide reinforcement to the learners’ successes?
3. EquityHow can I assist the learners in anchoring a positive feeling about their accomplishments?

What I really like about ARCS is that it puts the learner at the centre of the design process. After all, that’s how it should be.

References and further information:

Keller, J. M. (1987) Strategies for stimulating the motivation to learn. Performance and Instruction. 26 (8), 1-7.

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