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Rob Sutcliffe

The Art of Engagement and The Psychology of Motivation is a course that will teach you about human beings and what encourages them to do the things they do. This unique course is inspired not just from text books and science experiments, but from personal, first hand experience. Experience teaching children, managing teams and design applications. The curriculum is designed to be studied over several weeks, with each video giving you interesting concepts and studies to take away, think about and discuss with the tutor and the other students. You'll be encouraged to bring your personal engagement challenges to this course so we can build an engagement plan together.

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The Art of Engagement and The Psychology of Motivation is a course that will teach you about human beings and what encourages them to do the things they do. This unique course is inspired not just from text books and science experiments, but from personal, first hand experience. Experience teaching children, managing teams and design applications. The curriculum is designed to be studied over several weeks, with each video giving you interesting concepts and studies to take away, think about and discuss with the tutor and the other students. You'll be encouraged to bring your personal engagement challenges to this course so we can build an engagement plan together.

If you're an application designer, teacher, manager or parent, the psychology to motivate your people is the same and by the end of this course you'll have built an incredibly simple engagement plan to motivate change in any community. You'll not only finish the course with your engagement plan, but the ability to easily reproduce it any time in the future you need to motivate change in a community.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the psychology of human behaviour
  • Motivate your students, staff, customers, users and yourself
  • Build an engagement plan to create change in a community

Syllabus

Introduction to Motivation and Engagement
Introduction

It's really important to understand how cognitive dissonance turns what we assume will be good motivational techniques into bad ones. Once we have dispelled this myth we can start to learn about real engagement techniques.

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The Science of Motivation

Why do we get motivated to do anything at all? Well it's natures way of keeping us alive. The first step is to understand how our brains work.

Human behaviour is no different to animal behaviour. What motivates the dogs and the rats will motivate us. This is the first step to understanding human behaviour.

Once we understand what people really need, we can see what motivates them.

What's the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation? and why is it so important to make the distinction?

Section Summary
Status and Other Extrinsic Rewards

Status is low down the hierarchy of needs and an extrinsic motivator but it's cheap to provide so is often used as a motivational technique and although it works better than money, it still has it's problems.

We use up mental energy every time we make a decision. We'll only exert ourselves mentally so many times a day. If we can make decisions by copying others or doing what we did last time. We will.

Mastery

There are many kinds of feedback and they are all important to engage people

Without rules people can't be motivated. We don't know what we are trying to achieve. We need rules to motivate.

No one want's an easy life. For people to be truly engaged they need a challenge.

People need a finishing line to stay motivated and by having smaller more regular goals then we are never that far from a finishing line.

How can we stop people just walking out once they complete their the last goal. We need a way to keep them to have something else to work towards at the same time.

The most important ingredient to mastery engagement. People can't master something they don't believe in.

Meaning

Why is meaning one of the four big intrinsic motivators?

Recent studies have shown that we are wrong about the things that we think will make us happy. When are the activitities that people really enjoy?

So meaning is huge for engagement, but how do we create meaning?

Some lessons from the pros about telling engaging stories

Autonomy

Autonomy is all about authenticity. About people respecting who we are as people and accepting our contributions. This is vital for engagement.

The ability to choose is as good as been listened to. When we get to put part of ourselves into something then we believe in it more.

If we never fail. It's not a challenge. If it's not a challange we aren't engaged.

Do we actually love to fail?

Another reason why status doesn't work. But also why it's important to fail and let other around us fail, so we can be on the same level.

Ego is peoples biggest barriers to been themselves and without been themselves they don't have authentic autonomy.

Community

Community is one of the four main intrinsic motivators and posibly the most engaging.

Could community be the biggest of all the motivators?

Why help helps us build communities and drop our ego at the same time.

What are the barriers to connecting as authentic people.

Building Our Engagement Plan

Let's collect together all the ideas we have come up with thought the course and start to brainstorm for our engagement plan

Which aspect of the person is each point motivating. Let's make sure we engage all the aspects.

Finally let's reduce all our ideas down so we have at least one for each intrinsic motivator and each aspect the person.

This section is here for you to refer back to at a later date to see lot's of examples of gamification in use. A number of students have asked to see more examples... so here they are!

This section will give a series of real word examples of gamification, motivation and engagement psychology. I'll show you real apps and which techniques they use to give you some inspiration for your own projects.

We'll look at some real games and what makes them different from none games. There is one very specific difference.

The importance of feedback to keep people motivated. But also exactly when and how to give it to them.

If you have a long progress bar it may demotivate people. You'll need another strategy to keep them going!

Progress bars are more than a way to provide feedback they let us know we have completed a task and can stop thinking about it. There can be a negative side to this! 

What if your progress bar is too long? You don't want people loosing motivation half way! 

You can see your progress without there been a completion state. I'm also going to show you one app that ticks all the boxes.

One dark art of gamification is to make them feel they'll miss something if they stop using your app! These are some examples of apps that have done just that.

Currency and in app autonomy is a fantastic extra you can add to any app. Here are some examples of real world gamification in app examples.

Status is another dark art in gamification, here are a few examples and why you shouldn't use them!

We know random events are very powerful but can we just add them anywhere to make anything instantly more engaging. Here is one example that does just that!

The evil like button. Why you should never add a like button to your app. but why it would be very powerful if you were evil.

Engagement and Motivation don't all do hand in hand. sometimes we sacrifice one for the other. We need to take what we learned in the course and find our own balance!

Thank You
Thank You and See You Soon

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Rob Sutcliffe, who is recognized for their work in motivations
Focuses on motivational and engagement techniques for diverse audiences including children, teams, application designers, teachers, managers, and parents
Combines research, personal experiences, and practical knowledge in its teachings
Emphasizes building an engagement plan for real-world applications
Examines the psychology of human behavior and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
May require additional time investment due to the self-paced and hands-on nature of the course

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Reviews summary

The psychology of motivation

learners say this 5-session course provides helpful information to understand human motivation in a logical and engaging way. According to students, the psychology behind motivation and engagement is well explained and they appreciate the practical examples. The course covers: * The psychology of motivation and engagement * How dopamine, uncertainty, curiosity, and other factors come into play * How to apply psychological concepts to gamification * Building an engagement plan Learners say the instructor is engaging and knowledgeable and they appreciate that he cites studies and includes real-life examples. The course is well-structured and the pacing is good. Overall, learners say this course is a great value and they would recommend it to others.
Overall, learners say this course is a great value and they would recommend it to others.
"I really enjoyed this course. It was informative and there was a good amount of examples/studies that were mentioned."
"I got meaning from this course."
"I learnt that people get dopamine from achieving goals and they need variety to keep that natural flow of dopamine."
The instructor is engaging and knowledgeable. He cites studies and includes real-life examples to illustrate his points.
"The instructor knows the subjects very and examples he gave were excellent."
"Rob is such a natural teacher with a very humble relatable approach."
This course explores the psychology behind motivation and engagement and how to apply these concepts to gamification. Learners say the course is well-structured and the pacing is good. They also appreciate the real-life examples and the opportunity to build an engagement plan.
"This course helped me understand the basics of motivation and engagement in a logical and engaging way."
"The information and examples were exciting."
"I would definitely see my time spent on this course as an investment."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gamification: Motivation Psychology & The Art of Engagement with these activities:
Review Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Strengthen your understanding of Cognitive Dissonance Theory, a key concept that underpins the course material on motivation.
Show steps
  • Read an article or watch a video that explains the basic principles of Cognitive Dissonance Theory.
  • Reflect on how you have experienced Cognitive Dissonance in your own life and how it influenced your behavior.
Explore Self Determination Theory
Deepen your understanding of the principles of human motivation by researching Self Determination Theory, which provides insights into how intrinsic factors can drive engagement.
Browse courses on Human Behavior
Show steps
  • Review foundational concepts of Self Determination Theory.
  • Identify the three basic psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy.
  • Explore how these needs influence intrinsic motivation and well-being.
Create a Mind Map of Engagement Strategies
Organize your knowledge and visualize the connections between key engagement strategies by creating a comprehensive mind map.
Browse courses on Engagement Strategies
Show steps
  • Review notes and materials from the course to identify key engagement strategies.
  • Use a mind mapping tool or software to create a visual representation of the strategies and their interrelationships.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Motivational Poster
Reinforce your grasp of intrinsic motivation by designing a motivational poster that captures the key elements and principles explored in the course.
Browse courses on Intrinsic Motivation
Show steps
  • Identify the core concepts of intrinsic motivation that you want to convey.
  • Use visually appealing elements, such as images and colors, to create an eye-catching design.
  • Write concise and impactful text that summarizes the key principles.
Design an Engagement Plan
Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive engagement plan that incorporates the principles discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Motivation
Show steps
  • Identify the target audience and their specific needs.
  • Develop strategies to enhance intrinsic motivation and create a sense of purpose.
  • Incorporate elements of autonomy, competence, and relatedness into your plan.
  • Outline metrics to track and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
Lead a Discussion Group on Autonomy in Motivation
Deepen your understanding of autonomy in motivation and hone your communication skills by leading a discussion group with peers.
Browse courses on Autonomy
Show steps
  • Prepare discussion materials, including topics, questions, and resources.
  • Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives.
  • Summarize and reflect on the key points and insights that emerged from the discussion.
Record a Podcast on Meaningful Engagement
Solidify your understanding and share your insights by creating a podcast episode that explores the importance of meaningful engagement and how to foster it in various contexts.
Browse courses on Engagement
Show steps
  • Choose a specific aspect of meaningful engagement to focus on.
  • Research and gather evidence to support your key points.
  • Write a script that outlines the content and structure of your podcast episode.
  • Record and edit your podcast, ensuring high-quality audio.

Career center

Learners who complete Gamification: Motivation Psychology & The Art of Engagement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Community Manager
A Community Manager is responsible for building and managing a community around a brand or organization. They work with members of the community to create content, organize events, and foster a sense of belonging. This course can help Community Managers understand the psychology of community members and how to motivate them to participate in the community. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a brand or organization.
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer (UX Designer) is responsible for designing the user interface for a product or website. They work with engineers and designers to ensure that the user interface is easy to use and provides a positive experience for the user. This course can help UX Designers understand the psychology of users and how to motivate them to use a product or website. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a product or website.
Training and Development Manager
A Training and Development Manager is responsible for developing and implementing training programs for employees. They work with managers to identify training needs and develop programs that will help employees improve their skills and knowledge. This course can help Training and Development Managers understand the psychology of learners and how to motivate them to learn. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a learning environment.
Customer Success Manager
A Customer Success Manager is responsible for ensuring that customers are successful with a company's product or service. They work with customers to identify their needs and develop strategies to help them achieve their goals. This course can help Customer Success Managers understand the psychology of customers and how to motivate them to use a product or service. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a customer base.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer is responsible for designing and developing educational materials. They work with teachers and other stakeholders to ensure that the educational materials are effective and meet the needs of the learners. This course can help Instructional Designers understand the psychology of learners and how to motivate them to learn. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a learning environment.
Product Manager
A Product Manager leads the development of new products or features for a company. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that the product meets the needs of the customer. This course can help Product Managers understand the psychology of their customers and how to motivate them to use their product. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a product.
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the human resources of a company. They work with employees to recruit, hire, train, and develop them. They also work with managers to create and implement HR policies and procedures. This course can help Human Resources Managers understand the psychology of employees and how to motivate them to perform at their best. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community within a company.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns for a company. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that the marketing campaign is effective and reaches the target audience. This course can help Marketing Managers understand the psychology of their target audience and how to motivate them to take action. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a brand.
Organizational Development Manager
An Organizational Development Manager is responsible for developing and implementing organizational change initiatives. They work with managers and employees to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to achieve change. This course can help Organizational Development Managers understand the psychology of change and how to motivate employees to embrace change. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community within an organization.
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business. They are responsible for all aspects of the business, from developing the product or service to marketing and sales. This course can help Entrepreneurs understand the psychology of customers and how to motivate them to buy their product or service. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a business.
Consultant
A Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course can help Consultants understand the psychology of clients and how to motivate them to take action. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a consulting firm.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is responsible for leading a team of sales representatives and developing and implementing sales strategies. They work with customers to close deals and build relationships. This course can help Sales Managers understand the psychology of customers and how to motivate them to buy a product or service. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a sales team.
Program Manager
A Program Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and executing programs or projects. They work with stakeholders to define the scope of the program or project, develop a budget, and manage the team. This course can help Program Managers understand the psychology of stakeholders and how to motivate them to support the program or project. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a program or project.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and executing projects. They work with stakeholders to define the scope of the project, develop a budget, and manage the team. This course can help Project Managers understand the psychology of stakeholders and how to motivate them to support the project. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community around a project.
Teacher
A Teacher is responsible for teaching students in a classroom setting. They work with students to help them learn and grow. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to understand the psychology of their students and how to motivate them to learn. The course also covers the importance of community and how to build a strong community within a classroom.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gamification: Motivation Psychology & The Art of Engagement.
Save
Provides an overview of the latest research on motivation, and offers practical advice on how to use this research to create more effective work environments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of motivation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of motivation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of motivation and emotion. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of motivation and emotion.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on motivation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of motivation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on motivation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of motivation.

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