Keller's ARCS Motivational Model

As a third grade teacher, my world is dominated by pressure to prepare my students for the “big test.”  More often than not, my colleagues and I feel overwhelmed with the amount of instructional material that we are expected to cover in a short amount of time; therefore, when we’re asked to try something new, we are somewhat skeptical.   It’s not that we aren’t willing to try new things; we just don’t want anything else put on our plate.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that if the ARCS motivational model designed by John Keller was used when presenting new ideas, teachers would more receptive to them.  As recommended by Keller, administrators must gain their learner’s attention.  This could be achieved by explaining the relevance of the new product/concept in improving student achievement and making our jobs easier.  Additionally, proper training should be provided giving teachers the confidence they need in effectively using the new products presented.  Finally, administrators must evaluate the progress made since using new product/concept to ensure satisfaction.

It’s simply not enough to present a new product and provide a “crash course” on how to use it, if you expect to see positive results!

I responded to the following blogs:

Kristy Burrough @ http://kburrough2012.blogspot.com/

B. Hiett @ http://bhiett.wordpress.com/

Reference:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.).Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.