Powerful Learning, Powerful Leadership: Motivation from Within

Motivation matters. 

That is obvious and well-documented. I need a lot of motivation to do half of the things I do. It doesn't help even if tasks or duties are incentivized. I have to care. Or nothing gets done.

How does this apply to an Instructional Designer? How does a ID, or technology leader, create training, or courses, that motivate the learner from within?  This is a question that is not easy to answer. The learner has to motivate themselves to learn. 

As an Instructional Designer, motivating learners is both an art and a science. You can't simply tell someone "Be motivated!" and expect it to work. Instead, you need to tap into their intrinsic motivators: their values, goals, and interests. 

A few tactics that can help:

• Make it relatable. As indicated by the constructive learning theory, knowledge should be linked to real-world examples and situations the learners will recognize. Help them see how mastering this information will tangibly improve their work or life.

• Turn it into a Game. Add elements of competition, scoring, levels, etc. To tap into our innate desire for achievement and progression. Who doesn't love earning virtual badges and achievement points?

• Tell stories. Humans are hardwired for narrative. Make the content come alive by weaving it into anecdotes, scenarios, and case studies.

• Add Self-directed learning. Allow learners to self-direct, set their own pace, and make choices about what/how they learn. Autonomy breeds motivation.

• Celebrate wins. Learners need reinforcement to feel that their effort matters. Build in opportunities to showcase mastery and knowledge gains.

At the end of the day, motivated learners will be engaged, eager to participate, and own their learning experience. As the guide on the side, your role as an ID is to use instructional design to stroke fires of motivation within.

Motivation is not a one-size-fits-all. Every learner is unique and as an ID there are moments when incentives do help. With the right blend of relevance, interactivity, and self-direction, you'll help create motivated lifelong learners.

Thanks for reading!