7-1 Motivational Strategies

To build on this lesson’s chapters in Allen and Clark & Mayer, explore some of the below examples of instructional activities/approaches. As you review, be thinking about who might be the target audience for each approach and the strategies each example employs in an effort to motivate the learner. In each scenario, consider whether or not the motivational strategies are working – which elements make you want to continue the experience, and which elements (if any) are frustrating or make you want to exit the activity?

Images

Interactive museum of Anne Frank’s secret annex

Stories

The Virgin Atlantic Safety Film

Drama

An interactive scenario dealing with workplace harassment issues

Urgency

CPR training via interactive video with realistic simulation & time constraints.

As you contemplate ways to engage and motivate your audience, stay grounded and constantly ask yourself how the user is likely to feel about the environment. Don’t get stuck on the idea of creating something ‘slick’ or ‘exciting’ or ‘cutting edge’; it’s not that those things are inherently bad, but if too many elements are irrelevant, intrusive, or create technical difficulties, the learners will not enjoy the experience. Above all, do not frustrate or annoy your end users!