ARCS - Motivation Theory

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Attention

• Perceptual Arousal 
  Gain and maintain student attention by the use of novel, surprising, incongruous, or uncertain events in instruction.
• Inquiry Arousal
  Stimulate information-seeking behavior by posing, or having the learner generate, questions or a problem to solve.
• Variability
  Maintain student interest by varying the elements of instruction.

Relevance

• Familiarity
  Adapt instruction, use concrete language, use examples and concepts that are related to the learner's experience and values to help them integrate new knowledge.
• Goal Orientation
  Provide statements or examples that present the objectives and utility of the instruction, and either present goals for accomplishment or have the learner define them.
• Motive Matching
  Adapt by using teaching strategies that match the motive profiles of the students.

Confidence

• Expectancy for Success
  Make learners aware of performance requirements and evaluative criteria.
• Challenge Setting
  Provide multiple achievement levels that allow learners to set personal goals or standards of accomplishment, and performance opportunities that allow them to experience success.
• Attribution Molding
  Provide feedback that supports student ability and effort as the determinants of success.

Satisfaction

• Natural Consequences
  Provide opportunities to use newly acquired knowledge or skill in a real or simulated setting
• Positive Consequences
  Provide feedback and reinforcements that will sustain the desired behavior
• Equity
  Maintain consistent standards and consequences for task accomplishment