Unit Three: What is the ARCS model? What does ARCS stand for?

• Design Project: ARCS model of Motivation Design

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and elaborate the four elements of the ARCS model.

Overview

According to John Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivational Design, there are four steps for promoting and sustaining motivation in the learning process. These four steps include: Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS).

Keller suggests that attention can be gained in two ways: (1) Perceptual arousal - using surprise or uncertainty to gain interest. or (2) Inquiry arousal - stimulates curiosity by posing challenging questions or problem solving scenarios. Keller suggests the following methods to use when attempting to gain the attention of the learner:

• Active participation -Include games, roleplay or other hands-on methods to get learners involved with the material or subject matter.
• Variability - To better reinforce materials and account for individual differences in learning styles, use a variety of methods when presenting material (e.g. use of videos, audio recordings, lectures, discussions).
• Humor -Maintain interest by using a small amount of humor (but not too much to be distracting)
• Incongruity and Conflict - A devil’s advocate approach in which statements are posed that go against a learner’s past experiences. Ask questions designed to challenge the views and thoughts of others.
• Specific examples - Use lots of visual stimuli or stories
• Inquiry - Pose questions or problems for the learners to solve (e.g. brainstorming activities)

Relevance One to increase motivation in learning is to to provide a connection between what is being taught and prior knowledge and experiences. Keller describes six major categories to consider when establishing relevancy.

• Experience - Explain to the learners how the material presented relates to their prior knowledge.
• Present Worth - How does the material apply and relate to my life today?
• Future Usefulness - How will this material be of benefit to me in the future?
• Needs Matching - Take advantage of the dynamics of achievement, risk taking, power, and affiliation.
• Modeling -Include guest speakers, videos, peer tutoring
• Choice - Allow the learners to use different methods to pursue their work and demonstrate understanding.

Confidence Confidence is key. It is extremely important for the students to feel as though they can accomplish the goals and achieve success. Allow the students to feel some sense of control in their learning environment.

Satisfaction Learning must be rewarding or satisfying in some way.,This satisfaction may come from within (i.e. a sense of achievement) or from others (i.e. praise, grades). Provide several opportunities for feedback and reinforcement. Allow ample opportunities for the learner to use their newly acquired knowledge.

Activities

As an educator, what strategies would you use to promote confidence in the learning environment? Site one piece of research to support your answer. What do you use to gain the attention of your learners? Post your answers to these questions in the Discussion Forum. Respond to at least two of your classmates. Be sure to also respond to those who have responded to you. Also remember to site an outside source in your responses.

References

• Keller, J. M. (1983). Motivational design of instruction. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional-design theories and models: An overview of their current status. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Keller, J. M. (1984). The use of the ARCS model of motivation in teacher training. In K. Shaw & A. J. Trott (Eds.), Aspects of Educational Technology Volume XVII: staff Development and Career Updating. London: Kogan Page.
• Keller, J. M. (1987). Development and use of the ARCS model of motivational design. Journal of Instructional Development, 10(3), 2-10.

Proceed to Unit Four: How can I use the ideas of the ARCS model to increase student motivation in my classroom?