The article is about Online communities and technology but could also apply to teaching and learning.
The Science Behind Using Online Communities To Change Behavior
“…there’s a science behind how to change behavior, and the answer to engagement and behavior change lies in understanding people’s psychology. By addressing people’s psychological needs and reasons for not changing behavior (including their social environments, cultural values, and emotions), we can be more effective at behavior change. Once we understand people’s psychologies, then technologies — online communities in particular — become really useful as platforms to rapidly change behavior.”
“Throughout our research, we find that newly created online communities can change people’s behaviors by addressing the following psychological needs:
- The Need to Trust.
- The Need for Self-Worth.
- The Need to Be Rewarded for Good Behavior
- The Need to Feel Empowered.
The read article for a description of each element.
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/28/the-science-behind-using-online-communities-to-change-behavior/