An Application of the ARCS Model of Motivational Design

This chapter contains a presentation of the categories of strategies contained in the motivational design model, and an explanation of how they are used in the instructional-design process. The motivational design model is not, by itself, an instructional-design model. Audience analysis is necessary to determine how much emphasis to give to a particular area of motivation. The ARCS Model provides the basis for identifying audience motivation in terms of the four major categories. For a given body of instruction, the audience might be interested and already aware of the relevance, but they might lack confidence in their ability to master the new knowledge or skills. The second critical event is to prepare motivational objectives. The third critical event, strategy selection, requires the instructor or designer to select or create language and activities that accomplish the motivational objectives. The final critical event is evaluation.