LEARNER SATISFACTION is a key component of motivation according to Keller's ARCS model (1988). If learners feel good about learning results, they will be motivated to learn. What can a designer do to ensure learner satisfaction? Keller suggests three main strategies to promote satisfaction:

Provide the learner with realistic or authentic situations which require the application of the newly-learned skill. The more immediate the opportunity to use the new skill, the better.

Examples: case studies, role plays, simulations, games. 

Simulators let students apply their

 newly-acquired skills immediately in

 a semi-authentic situation.

Provide rewards or feedback that will encourage the learner to continue target behavior. Motivation feedback can vary from positive comments to extrinsic rewards. 

Extrinsic rewards can be as varied as prizes, parties, travel awards, even cash.

Cautions:

• Don't annoy the learner by over-rewarding simple behavior.

• Don't overuse extrinsic rewards as they may overshadow instruction.

• Don't make the negative consequences too entertaining. You don't want the learner to purposely choose the wrong answer.
  
  

Design and maintain consequences and feedback that are consistent and fair. Make expectations clear so as not to disappoint or discourage learners.

Feedback needs to be balanced and

fair to keep students motivated to continue learning.

Satisfied learners are motivated to continue learning because they see value in what they are doing. To keep learners satisfied, instruction should be designed to allow them to use their newly-learned skills as soon as possible in as authentic a setting as possible. Rewards and feedback should be provided in a timely fashion and should be appropriate to the level of difficulty of the task.

Keller's ARCS Model-Attention

Keller's ARCS Model -Relevance

Keller's ARCS Model -Confidence

Lisa Alizadeh
Graduate Student
San Diego State University