Motivational Web Pages
Web pages that are motivational serve to get students to do what they are reluctant to do. In other words, motivational pages sell. Such pages must convince students that they will benefit from the material being covered and that they will gain far more by doing. For example, lists of features do not work very well here since they do little to draw the student into action. Features can be used, but they are much more effective if they are converted into benefits. This way, the student sees an extra benefit aside from the course materials. In order for the student to get this reward, a topic must be learned or a new procedure practiced.
People take a course for more than one reason; they want more than what they see. They have a deeper, internal motive and the course they're taking will help them achieve their goals whether they be short- or long-term. Unless they can see that their real goal can be met, chances are good that they will not complete the course.
It is up to the student to accomplish their goals. It is also their responsibility to stay motivated so that they can meet their goals. It is, however, the instructor's job to create an environment for motivation. A motivational environment can get even those students who may be required to take a course to motivate themselves to learn and produce outstanding work.
Well-worded pages can quickly put students into a productive state, a frame of reference, that urges them to act. To do this, we appeal to what's important to them. For example, will a clerk gain more "free time" if the subject matter is learned and practiced? Will supervisors see an increase in production if they, or the people in their charge, learn and use certain methods? How will this increased productivity reward the supervisor? Will there be money saved or an increased income? Will the supervisor gain more control over the work load or the department?
We can appeal to other desires the student may have, such as:
- respect
- skill
- affection
- enlightenment
- rectitude (doing something because it's right)
- well-being
Appeals such as these can persuade students to eagerly try new things. In fact, appealing to these desires have moved whole companies, as well as entire nations, into new directions.
In writing the motivating page, be very specific as to how learning a new step or performing a new procedure will provide material benefits. An illustration comparing "what you'll gain if you do" versus "what happens if you don't" could add greatly to this type of page.
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Last Modified: February, 2005