Motivation is crucial to the success of any learning experience. To make sure the learner wants to work through the materials:

• there must be obvious benefits for the learner - so they can pinpoint what the learning programme offers them and why it will be useful/relevant to them
• the materials must include effective learning objectives or outcomes - so the learner can see what they will be able to do
• the introduction should set the right tone and ‘sell’ the package
• the content must be relevant - it must meet the learner’s needs
• the package needs to acknowledge what the learner may know already
• the writing and design must motivate the learner to pick up the package and then stick with it - this means:
  • a snappy title and attractive cover
  • user-friendly writing
  • manageable ‘chunks’ of learning
  • effective structuring and sign-posting
  • lots of white space
  • attractive page design
  • appropriate use of colour

Inspired by Phil Race’s Open Learning Handbook (Kogan Page).