ARCS Model Of Motivational Design
Overview
The ARCS Model of Motivational Design is a learning theory developed by theorist John Keller (2010). The acronym “ARCS” stands for Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. These four components within the design theory are building blocks educators can use in order to cultivate and sustain a learner’s motivation throughout the learning process.
The ARCS Model of Motivational Design is a learning theory developed by theorist John Keller (2010). The acronym “ARCS” stands for Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. These four components within the design theory are building blocks educators can use in order to cultivate and sustain a learner’s motivation throughout the learning process.
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Guidelines for Use
Guideline 1 - Attention
Guideline 2 - Relevance
Guideline 3 - Confidence
Guideline 4 - Satisfaction
Guideline 1 - Attention
- Keller (2010) theorizes that attention can be captured using “perceptual arousal” or “inquiry arousal.”
- Perceptual arousal uses the element of surprise to gain attention
- Inquiry arousal peaks a sense of curiosity by posing questions or challenges.
- Methods utilized to capture and maintain attention include active participation, variability, humour, specific examples, inquiry, and incongruity and conflict.
- For e-Learning formats it is important to effectively utilize varying forms of multimedia including audio narration, text, videos, and images.
- Ensure web-based learning tools aren’t static and promote active participation and interactivity to engage the learner in the process.
Guideline 2 - Relevance
- In order to sustain interest in a subject matter, the material must be relevant to the learner.
- Using familiar and accessible language motivates the learner to engage with the content in a meaningful way.
- Keller (2010) proposes six strategies to cater to relevancy: experience, present worth, future usefulness, needs matching, modeling, and choice.
Guideline 3 - Confidence
- Students are more motivated to learn when clear learning objectives and meaningful measurements of success are thoughtfully outlined.
- If students feel like they cannot meet the outlined goals or measurements of success, their motivation will significantly decrease.
- In order to cultivate student confidence, the facilitator must provide consistent feedback and support. They must also create a curriculum that allows for progressive development and growth which also allows for the learner to control aspects of the learning process.
Guideline 4 - Satisfaction
- Satisfaction for the learner comes in many different forms.
- The abstract concept of satisfaction comes after reflection from the learner.
- The learner must come away from the experience feeling that the process was rewarding and beneficial.
Good Examples of Use
Example 1- TED ED - Can you solve the killer robo-ants riddle?
In order for TED Ed videos to sustain and accomplish learning goals within a short period of time, the ARCS model is a critical tool.
Dan Finkel’s “Can you solve the killer robo-ants riddle?” is a comprehensive example of the ARCS model:
Example 2- YouTube - How to Animate a Still Photo in Adobe Photoshop
You can find anything on YouTube. One of the most useful parts of YouTube is you can find a tutorial on anything from effectively using photo software to the perfecting your cat-eye liner.
Spoon Graphics’ software based tutorials are very informative and use the ARCS model to appeal to the learner:
Example 1- TED ED - Can you solve the killer robo-ants riddle?
In order for TED Ed videos to sustain and accomplish learning goals within a short period of time, the ARCS model is a critical tool.
Dan Finkel’s “Can you solve the killer robo-ants riddle?” is a comprehensive example of the ARCS model:
- The video uses humour at the onset to capture and sustain attention, presents a challenge/ conflict, and requires active participation and interactivity to solve the riddle
- The content is relevant to the learner because it pertains to the development of their critical thinking and math skills
- The riddle/objective is very clear and concisely presented to the learner and the goal and outcome are outlined (the narrated information is also summarized in a text format for reflection/understanding) allowing the learner to confidently engage in the task
- Correctly answering or postulating about the riddle gives the learner a sense of self-satisfaction
Example 2- YouTube - How to Animate a Still Photo in Adobe Photoshop
You can find anything on YouTube. One of the most useful parts of YouTube is you can find a tutorial on anything from effectively using photo software to the perfecting your cat-eye liner.
Spoon Graphics’ software based tutorials are very informative and use the ARCS model to appeal to the learner:
- Starting the tutorial with a visual example of the effect the learner can achieve captures the learner's attention and appeals to their inquiry arousal and curiosity/challenge
- The learner is seeking out this specific information because it is clearly something that is relevant to them; the desire to learn how to animate a still picture therefore it is fulfilling a specific need
- The goal is clearly defined and the video tutorial elicits learner confidence because the learning process is presented in small segments and progressive development
- Upon completion of the tutorial, the leaner has an immediate sense of satisfaction because they have acquired a new skill set and can apply their skills to a relevant or future project
Helpful Resources
Resource 1 - ARCS Under 3 Minutes
Resource 1 - ARCS Under 3 Minutes
- An informative animated video providing a brief summary of the origin and key points of the ARCS model in three minutes.
- A comprehensive website with high level overviews of the ARCS model. Contains helpful publications and resources for supplementary reading and research.
Research
- David L, "ARCS Model of Motivational Design Theories (Keller)," in Learning Theories.
- Keller, J. M. (2010). Motivational design for learning and performance: The ARCS model of motivational design. Boston, MA: Springer.