What does the 'R' in Keller's ARCS emphasize?

The 'R' in Keller's ARCS model emphasizes relevance by highlighting the importance of making the learning experience valuable to the students. This concept recognizes that learners are more motivated to engage with content when they see how it connects to their personal interests, goals, and real-world applications. By ensuring that the subject matter is relatable and applicable to their lives or careers, instructors can foster greater engagement and motivation among students. When learners perceive the material as relevant, they are more likely to participate actively in the learning process and retain the information presented to them.

In this context, it's crucial to understand that relevance is not just about making learning competitive or focusing solely on group dynamics. While those aspects can certainly play a role in enhancing the learning experience, the key focus of relevance in Keller's model is genuinely aligning educational experiences with the learners' needs and expectations, making it significantly more valuable and impactful.