Motivation is the Key to LearningBy Mark Stout

Learner MotivationKey components of learner motivation was

developed by John KellerKeller developed a model called ARCSAttentionRelevanceConfidenceSatisfaction

Image source: http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/christine-duvivier/200904091778

AttentionThe first and single most important aspect of

the ARCS model is gaining and keeping the learner's attention, which coincides with the first step in Gagne's model. Keller's strategies for attention include sensory stimuli, inquiry arousal (thought provoking questions), and variability (variance in exercises and use of media) (Kruse)

RelevanceEstablish relevance in order to increase a

learner’s motivation. To do this, use concrete language and examples with which the learners are familiar. (ARCS Model of Motivational Design (Keller))

ConfidenceLearners will only start to put energy into an

activity if they feel there’s a good chance that this energy will bring reward. They need confidence in your method and in their own ability to take advantage of this. (Clive, 2009)

Image Source: http://digicynic.wordpress.com/2008/09/10/how-to-have-a-successful-career-in-advertising/

SatisfactionAppropriate acknowledgment of instructional

content and developing the desire to continue the pursuit of similar goals. (Motivation Strategies in Online Distance Learning and e-Learning)

Methods for AttentionThe point here is to get attention

Pose a question – Get their minds turning prior to discussion

Tell a story – Attention is focused on the speaker

Participation- Handout an item for students to examine

Methods for RelevanceGoal orientation, which may mean outcome of

learning such as obtaining a job, reward, etc. or may imply the means of learning (BALABAN-SALI, 2008)

Motive Matching, Adapt by using teaching strategies that match the motive profiles of the students. (Rodriguez)

Strategies for ConfidenceObjectives, Provides objectives that are easy

to understand and are attainableFeedback, allows the student a

comprehension of their status of attaining one goal.

SatisfactionLearning Experience must be rewarding for

studentStudent should newly acquired knowledge is

beneficialDon’t make goals to easy

Stock Image

ReferencesARCS Model of Motivational Design (Keller). (n.d.). Retrieved

September 25, 2010, from Learning-Theories.com: http://www.learning-theories.com/kellers-arcs-model-of-motivational-design.html

Clive. (2009, September 28). Using John Keller’s ARCS model to motivate online learners. Retrieved September 25, 2010, from onlignment.com: http://onlignment.com/2009/09/using-john-kellers-arcs-model-to-motivate-online-learners

BALABAN-SALI, J. (2008, July). DESIGNING MOTIVATIONAL LEARNING SYSTEMS. Retrieved September 25, 2010, from The Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education: http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/tojde31/articles/article_13.htm

ReferencesKruse, K. (n.d.). The Magic of Learner Motivation: The ARCS

Model. Retrieved September 25, 2010, from e-LearningGuru: http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_5.htm

Motivation Strategies in Online Distance Learning and e-Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2010, from .about-elearning.com: http://www.about-elearning.com/motivation.html

Rodriguez, S. (n.d.). ARCS Motivation Theory. Retrieved September 25, 2010, from The University of Texas School of Public Health: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/uploadedFiles/Services/OID/a-arcs.pdf