Writing That Sticks: Using ARCS With Ruth Douthitt

Ever watch a promising writing class lose steam by midterm? We’ve been there, and we built this conversation to flip that script using the ARCS model—Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction—as a practical blueprint for motivated, higher-quality writing across live and online courses. With award-winning author and curriculum developer Ruth A. Douthit, we unpack what actually keeps students engaged, why “busy work” backfires, and how to design assignments that feel purposeful from the first hook to the final draft.Ruth closes with before-and-after assignment makeovers and shares where to connect with her books and A Writer’s Day podcast. If you’re ready to replace disengagement with momentum and help students produce writing they’re proud to share, this episode will give you the scripts, structures, and confidence to start.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow and share the show, leave a thoughtful review, and send this to a colleague who’s redesigning a writing course. Your support helps more educators find actionable ideas that work.🔗 Website and Social Links:Please visit Ruth Douthitt’s website and social media links below.Ruth Douthitt’s WebsiteRuth’s Facebook PageRuth’s LinkedIn PageRuth’s Instagram PageRuth’s X Page📢 Call-to-Action: If today’s episode helped you rethink motivation in writing instruction, try redesigning just one writing activity using ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) and see what shifts for your learners.Send Jackie a TextJoin PodMatch!Use the link to join PodMatch, a place for hosts and guests to connect.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show💟 Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.☕ Buy Me a Coffee is another way you can support the show, either as a one-time gift or through a monthly subscription. 🗣️ Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show🌐 Check out the show's website here: Designing with Love📱 Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above. 👍🏼 Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!