Aug. 24, 2025
Mastering the ARCS Model for Adult Learning
Welcome to episode 42 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover how you can leverage the ARCS model when designing adult learning experiences.
Ever designed a learning experience that simply didn't connect with your audience? The missing ingredient might be motivation—the essential element that transforms passive content consumption into active, engaged learning.
In this comprehensive exploration of John Keller's ARCS model, I break down the four pillars that create truly motivational learning experiences for adults: Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. Developed in the early 1980s, this powerful framework addresses the unique challenges adult learners face, from competing priorities to engagement gaps and motivation issues.
Whether you're an instructional designer, educator, or learning professional, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your approach to adult learning. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." The ARCS model gives us the framework to create that involvement.
Ready to transform your approach to instructional design? Check out the additional resources in the show notes and share your experiences applying the ARCS model to your learning projects!
🔗Episode Links:
Please check out the resource mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!
📑References:
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (Aug 8 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Join PodMatch!Use the link to join PodMatch, a place for hosts and guests to connect.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
💟Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.
☕Buy Me a Coffee is another way you can support the show, either as a one-time gift or through a monthly subscription.
🗣️Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show
📝Check out the companion blog site here: Designing with Love Blog
📱Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above.
👍🏼Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!
00:00 - Introduction to ARCS Model
02:30 - Understanding ARCS Components
03:35 - Why Motivation Matters in Adult Learning
07:10 - Benefits of the ARCS Model
07:48 - Leadership Course Design Example
10:15 - Implementation Tips and Conclusion
WEBVTT
00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:04.107
Hello and welcome to the Designing with Love podcast.
00:00:04.107 --> 00:00:11.752
I am your host, jackie Pellegrin, where my goal is to bring you information, tips and tricks as an instructional designer.
00:00:11.752 --> 00:00:22.725
Hello, gcu students, alumni and fellow educators, welcome to episode 42 of the Designing with Love podcast.
00:00:22.725 --> 00:00:29.068
In this episode, I will cover how you can leverage the ARCS model when designing adult learning experiences.
00:00:29.068 --> 00:00:33.423
Before we dive into the ARCS model, here's a question to think about.
00:00:33.423 --> 00:00:38.061
Have you ever designed a learning experience that didn't quite click with your audience?
00:00:38.061 --> 00:00:47.664
If your answer to this question is yes, then stay tuned to learn more about how you can leverage the ARCS model to create meaningful learning experiences.
00:00:47.664 --> 00:00:56.048
The ARCS model was developed by John Keller in the early 1980s, with its first formal introduction in 1983.
00:00:56.048 --> 00:01:05.253
All right, so now that you know who developed the model, let's take a few minutes to define the model and why it is best suited for adult learners.
00:01:06.161 --> 00:01:11.233
The ARCS acronym represents a specific area that is important to adult education.
00:01:11.233 --> 00:01:18.868
Here's a breakdown of the acronym A is for attention Capture and sustain the learner's interest.
00:01:18.868 --> 00:01:29.986
Some ways to achieve this are to use surprising facts, thought-provoking questions, stories or multimedia to spark curiosity and keep learners engaged.
00:01:29.986 --> 00:01:37.828
R is for relevance Connect the learning to the learner's goals, experiences or real-world needs.
00:01:37.828 --> 00:01:47.281
Some ways to achieve this are to show how the content applies to their job, personal growth or previous knowledge to make the learning feel meaningful.
00:01:47.281 --> 00:01:51.870
C is for confidence Help learners believe they can succeed.
00:01:51.870 --> 00:02:03.486
Some ways to achieve this are to set clear objectives, provide supportive feedback and offer achievable challenges to build self-efficacy and reduce anxiety.
00:02:03.486 --> 00:02:08.701
S is for satisfaction Ensure learners feel a sense of accomplishment.
00:02:08.701 --> 00:02:20.373
Some ways to achieve this are to reinforce progress with recognition, rewards or real-world application to make the learning experience rewarding and worthwhile.
00:02:20.373 --> 00:02:30.932
This model is well-suited for adult learners because it aligns closely with the core principles of adult learning theory and addresses the challenges adults often face.
00:02:30.932 --> 00:02:32.501
Great.
00:02:32.501 --> 00:02:39.802
So now that you have a solid understanding of the ARCS model, I will briefly discuss why motivation matters in adult learning.
00:02:39.802 --> 00:02:47.414
As I mentioned in episode 41 titled Light the Fire, don't Fill the Pail Adult Learning Secrets.
00:02:48.080 --> 00:02:54.373
Adult learning theory refers to a framework of principles and models that explain how adults learn differently from children.
00:02:54.373 --> 00:03:00.393
This theory emphasizes practical application and drawing on life experiences.
00:03:00.393 --> 00:03:07.524
Some common challenges that can occur are competing priorities, lack of engagement and motivation gaps.
00:03:07.524 --> 00:03:24.729
Some ways to address these challenges are to involve learners in the content creation process, make the learning meaningful to their personal and professional life, engage learners throughout the learning experience and provide fun and interactive opportunities to break up the content.
00:03:24.729 --> 00:03:35.421
All right, so, now that you have a solid framework for why motivation matters in adult learning, let's take a deep dive into the ARCS components with some practical tips.
00:03:36.469 --> 00:03:48.962
Attention the two different types that relate to attention are perceptual arousal, which comprises of surprise and curiosity, and inquiry arousal, which comprises of questions and problems.
00:03:48.962 --> 00:03:55.300
Several strategies you can incorporate are storytelling, humor and interactive media.
00:03:55.300 --> 00:04:05.573
Some examples of these strategies are to share a personal story with your learners, share a lighthearted joke or include some interactive media that relates to the content.
00:04:05.573 --> 00:04:14.906
Relevance One specific way to incorporate relevance is by aligning content with learners' goals, job roles and prior knowledge.
00:04:14.906 --> 00:04:23.004
Several strategies you can incorporate are relatable case studies, personal goal setting and real-world examples.
00:04:23.004 --> 00:04:31.324
Some examples of these strategies are to tie in adult learning principles such as self-directedness or experience-based learning.
00:04:31.324 --> 00:04:38.103
You can learn more about some specific examples of these principles that I covered in episode 41.
00:04:39.290 --> 00:04:47.216
Confidence One specific way to incorporate confidence is by setting clear learning objectives and scaffolded success.
00:04:47.216 --> 00:04:54.074
Several strategies you can incorporate are practice opportunities, feedback and incremental challenges.
00:04:54.074 --> 00:05:08.391
Some examples of these strategies are to address imposter syndrome or fear of failure in adult learners by letting them know they're making great progress along the way and that if they don't get something right the first time, they can try again.
00:05:08.391 --> 00:05:18.285
Satisfaction One specific way to incorporate satisfaction is by making learning rewarding, both intrinsically and extrinsically.
00:05:18.285 --> 00:05:37.041
Several strategies you can incorporate are badges, praise and applied success is to make sure to end the experience on a high note by incorporating elements such as an inspiring quote or call to action that will make the experience memorable Great.
00:05:37.062 --> 00:05:49.160
So now that I have provided you with some practical tips that you can apply with one of your current or next projects, I will briefly review some key benefits of using the ARCS model in instructional design.
00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:58.492
Key benefits of using the ARCS model in instructional design Benefit number one increases learner engagement and motivation.
00:05:58.492 --> 00:06:05.055
Why this matters Learners want to feel like their time is not wasted when completing courses, which is why engagement and motivation is vital to the success of any course.
00:06:05.055 --> 00:06:09.949
Benefit number two leads to better knowledge retention and application.
00:06:09.949 --> 00:06:12.980
Benefit number two leads to better knowledge retention and application.
00:06:12.980 --> 00:06:23.165
Why this matters as instructional designers, we want our courses to not simply engage learners and provide information in the moment, but we want the content to be applied on the job or in a real life situation.
00:06:23.165 --> 00:06:28.019
Benefit number three creates more learner-centered, empathetic design.
00:06:28.019 --> 00:06:35.161
Why this matters when creating courses for learners, you don't want to center the learning on what the instructor or facilitator wants.
00:06:35.161 --> 00:06:43.922
Instead, it's important to develop learning experience that are learner-centered and empathetic to what the learners need and want out of the experience.
00:06:44.930 --> 00:06:49.839
Benefit number four reduces dropout rates in online and workplace learning programs.
00:06:49.839 --> 00:06:54.449
Number four reduces dropout rates in online and workplace learning programs.
00:06:54.449 --> 00:06:54.949
Why this matters.
00:06:54.949 --> 00:07:01.380
The last thing you want is to spend time and energy to create a course and then have it sit on a shelf and not go anywhere or have high dropout rates.
00:07:01.380 --> 00:07:01.661
All right.
00:07:01.661 --> 00:07:14.704
So now that I have provided you with several benefits of using the ARCS model in instructional design, I will take a few minutes to give you a practical example of how you can incorporate the model into designing a leadership skills course for a company.
00:07:14.704 --> 00:07:20.862
Here's the scenario you currently work as an instructional designer at a Fortune 500 company.
00:07:20.862 --> 00:07:28.997
The learning and development department has asked you to design a leadership skills e-learning module for the employees at the company.
00:07:28.997 --> 00:07:38.315
The course will be made available in the online course catalog for current and aspiring leaders to enroll in and complete in an asynchronous format.
00:07:38.315 --> 00:07:47.480
Now I will break down each of the elements of the model by providing a specific goal application steps and why it matters.
00:07:48.521 --> 00:07:53.351
Attention what's the goal steps and why it matters?
00:07:53.351 --> 00:07:53.992
Attention what's the goal?
00:07:53.992 --> 00:07:55.617
Capture the learner's interest from the start.
00:07:55.617 --> 00:07:56.197
Here's the application steps.
00:07:56.197 --> 00:08:03.137
Number one open the course with a short, dramatic video of a real-life leadership crisis, such as an urgent workplace conflict.
00:08:03.137 --> 00:08:09.819
Number two follow it up with a provocative question such as what would you do in this situation?
00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:17.367
Why this matters this creates curiosity and a desire to engage with the material Relevance.
00:08:17.367 --> 00:08:18.610
What's the goal?
00:08:18.610 --> 00:08:21.240
Make the content personally meaningful.
00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:23.165
Here's the application steps.
00:08:23.906 --> 00:08:29.879
Number one allow learners to choose a leadership path based on the field or position.
00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:36.298
Number two include case studies and examples that mirror the challenges they face in their roles.
00:08:36.298 --> 00:08:43.115
Number three have them reflect on their own leadership styles and apply concepts directly to their workplace.
00:08:43.115 --> 00:08:49.533
Why this matters Adults see the immediate value in connection to their professional goals.
00:08:49.533 --> 00:08:52.379
Confidence what's the goal?
00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:54.753
Help learners believe they can succeed.
00:08:54.753 --> 00:08:57.032
Here's the application steps.
00:08:57.032 --> 00:09:01.996
Provide clear learning objectives and a preview of the skills they will master.
00:09:01.996 --> 00:09:10.219
Number two use interactive scenarios with guided feedback to let them practice decision-making in low-risk environments.
00:09:10.219 --> 00:09:15.956
Number three include progress bars, checkpoints and self-assessments throughout the course.
00:09:15.956 --> 00:09:22.158
Why this matters this scaffolding boosts learner confidence and reduces anxiety.
00:09:22.158 --> 00:09:25.231
Satisfaction what's the goal?
00:09:25.231 --> 00:09:27.480
Make learning rewarding and fulfilling.
00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:29.525
Here's the application steps.
00:09:29.986 --> 00:09:35.105
Number one end each module with a real-world challenge they can solve with what they've learned.
00:09:35.105 --> 00:09:36.846
Number two provide digital badges or a certificate they can display on LinkedIn.
00:09:36.846 --> 00:09:40.629
Two provide digital badges or a certificate they can display on LinkedIn.
00:09:40.629 --> 00:09:48.054
Number three invite learners to reflect on their growth and share wins in a course discussion or a Slack group.
00:09:48.054 --> 00:09:53.859
Why this matters Learners feel a sense of achievement and ownership over their development.
00:09:53.859 --> 00:10:04.490
So, after sharing this scenario with you, reflect on the following what elements will ensure this e-learning module is engaging and effective?
00:10:04.490 --> 00:10:04.770
Great.
00:10:04.850 --> 00:10:15.748
So now that you have a practical example of how the ARCS model can be applied when developing an e-learning module, I will share three tips for implementing the model for your next project.
00:10:15.748 --> 00:10:20.197
Tip number one start by mapping ARCS to your learning objectives.
00:10:20.197 --> 00:10:27.278
To do this, you can take a look at the learning objectives you have developed to see how you can align them to components of the model.
00:10:27.278 --> 00:10:33.238
Tip number two collaborate with SMEs to bring relevance in real-world context.
00:10:33.238 --> 00:10:43.989
The best way to be successful with this is to ask your SMEs throughout the process how the content can bring relevance in real-world context to the learners in meaningful ways.
00:10:43.989 --> 00:10:49.206
Tip number three evaluate learner feedback through the lens of ARCS.
00:10:49.206 --> 00:10:56.427
To do this, build the components of the model into your learner feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and interviews.
00:10:56.427 --> 00:11:07.620
I hope you have found this information about how to leverage the ARCS model to elevate adult learning helpful as you design and develop learning experiences for adult learners.
00:11:08.666 --> 00:11:23.311
As a recap, this episode covered what the ARCS model is, why motivation matters in adult learning, practical tips, benefits of using the model in instructional design and some quick tips for implementing the model in your next project.
00:11:23.311 --> 00:11:32.219
I would encourage you to review your current or upcoming projects that you are designing for adult learners with the ARCS lens in mind.
00:11:32.219 --> 00:11:37.774
Please share your feedback or stories of using the ARCS model by sending me a text message.
00:11:37.774 --> 00:11:46.894
You are welcome to review the resource I created at the link provided in the show notes, which includes an overview of what was covered in the episode.
00:11:46.894 --> 00:11:51.732
In addition, please check out my blog site, which is also provided in the show notes.
00:11:52.885 --> 00:11:59.851
As I conclude this episode, here's an inspiring quote from Benjamin Franklin "'Tell me and I forget.
00:11:59.851 --> 00:12:01.971
"'teach me and I remember.
00:12:01.971 --> 00:12:03.736
"'involve me and I forget.
00:12:03.736 --> 00:12:05.302
Teach me and I remember.
00:12:05.302 --> 00:12:05.884
Involve me and I learn.
00:12:05.884 --> 00:12:10.956
Yay, thank you for taking some time to listen to this podcast episode today.
00:12:10.956 --> 00:12:13.289
Your support means the world to me.
00:12:13.289 --> 00:12:21.977
If you'd like to help keep the podcast going, you can share it with a friend or colleague, leave a heartfelt review or offer a monetary contribution.
00:12:21.977 --> 00:12:27.529
Every act of support, big or small, makes a difference and I'm truly thankful for you.
00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:04.107
00:00:04.107 --> 00:00:11.752
00:00:11.752 --> 00:00:22.725
00:00:22.725 --> 00:00:29.068
00:00:29.068 --> 00:00:33.423
00:00:33.423 --> 00:00:38.061
00:00:38.061 --> 00:00:47.664
00:00:47.664 --> 00:00:56.048
00:00:56.048 --> 00:01:05.253
00:01:06.161 --> 00:01:11.233
00:01:11.233 --> 00:01:18.868
00:01:18.868 --> 00:01:29.986
00:01:29.986 --> 00:01:37.828
00:01:37.828 --> 00:01:47.281
00:01:47.281 --> 00:01:51.870
00:01:51.870 --> 00:02:03.486
00:02:03.486 --> 00:02:08.701
00:02:08.701 --> 00:02:20.373
00:02:20.373 --> 00:02:30.932
00:02:30.932 --> 00:02:32.501
00:02:32.501 --> 00:02:39.802
00:02:39.802 --> 00:02:47.414
00:02:48.080 --> 00:02:54.373
00:02:54.373 --> 00:03:00.393
00:03:00.393 --> 00:03:07.524
00:03:07.524 --> 00:03:24.729
00:03:24.729 --> 00:03:35.421
00:03:36.469 --> 00:03:48.962
00:03:48.962 --> 00:03:55.300
00:03:55.300 --> 00:04:05.573
00:04:05.573 --> 00:04:14.906
00:04:14.906 --> 00:04:23.004
00:04:23.004 --> 00:04:31.324
00:04:31.324 --> 00:04:38.103
00:04:39.290 --> 00:04:47.216
00:04:47.216 --> 00:04:54.074
00:04:54.074 --> 00:05:08.391
00:05:08.391 --> 00:05:18.285
00:05:18.285 --> 00:05:37.041
00:05:37.062 --> 00:05:49.160
00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:58.492
00:05:58.492 --> 00:06:05.055
00:06:05.055 --> 00:06:09.949
00:06:09.949 --> 00:06:12.980
00:06:12.980 --> 00:06:23.165
00:06:23.165 --> 00:06:28.019
00:06:28.019 --> 00:06:35.161
00:06:35.161 --> 00:06:43.922
00:06:44.930 --> 00:06:49.839
00:06:49.839 --> 00:06:54.449
00:06:54.449 --> 00:06:54.949
00:06:54.949 --> 00:07:01.380
00:07:01.380 --> 00:07:01.661
00:07:01.661 --> 00:07:14.704
00:07:14.704 --> 00:07:20.862
00:07:20.862 --> 00:07:28.997
00:07:28.997 --> 00:07:38.315
00:07:38.315 --> 00:07:47.480
00:07:48.521 --> 00:07:53.351
00:07:53.351 --> 00:07:53.992
00:07:53.992 --> 00:07:55.617
00:07:55.617 --> 00:07:56.197
00:07:56.197 --> 00:08:03.137
00:08:03.137 --> 00:08:09.819
00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:17.367
00:08:17.367 --> 00:08:18.610
00:08:18.610 --> 00:08:21.240
00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:23.165
00:08:23.906 --> 00:08:29.879
00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:36.298
00:08:36.298 --> 00:08:43.115
00:08:43.115 --> 00:08:49.533
00:08:49.533 --> 00:08:52.379
00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:54.753
00:08:54.753 --> 00:08:57.032
00:08:57.032 --> 00:09:01.996
00:09:01.996 --> 00:09:10.219
00:09:10.219 --> 00:09:15.956
00:09:15.956 --> 00:09:22.158
00:09:22.158 --> 00:09:25.231
00:09:25.231 --> 00:09:27.480
00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:29.525
00:09:29.986 --> 00:09:35.105
00:09:35.105 --> 00:09:36.846
00:09:36.846 --> 00:09:40.629
00:09:40.629 --> 00:09:48.054
00:09:48.054 --> 00:09:53.859
00:09:53.859 --> 00:10:04.490
00:10:04.490 --> 00:10:04.770
00:10:04.850 --> 00:10:15.748
00:10:15.748 --> 00:10:20.197
00:10:20.197 --> 00:10:27.278
00:10:27.278 --> 00:10:33.238
00:10:33.238 --> 00:10:43.989
00:10:43.989 --> 00:10:49.206
00:10:49.206 --> 00:10:56.427
00:10:56.427 --> 00:11:07.620
00:11:08.666 --> 00:11:23.311
00:11:23.311 --> 00:11:32.219
00:11:32.219 --> 00:11:37.774
00:11:37.774 --> 00:11:46.894
00:11:46.894 --> 00:11:51.732
00:11:52.885 --> 00:11:59.851
00:11:59.851 --> 00:12:01.971
00:12:01.971 --> 00:12:03.736
00:12:03.736 --> 00:12:05.302
00:12:05.302 --> 00:12:05.884
00:12:05.884 --> 00:12:10.956
00:12:10.956 --> 00:12:13.289
00:12:13.289 --> 00:12:21.977
00:12:21.977 --> 00:12:27.529
