The ARC Framework

Three pillars of motivation grounded in psychology research.

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Autonomy

Students co-create goals and rewards with parents through shared goal-setting. The system transforms from parental imposition into mutual agreement.

When students have ownership, motivation becomes intrinsic.

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Resilience

Rather than punitive streak mechanics, we use "Relapse Forgiveness" that triggers achievable "Recovery Quests" after setbacks. Students learn to bounce back.

Failure becomes a stepping stone, not a wall.

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Competence

The platform generates "quick wins" through immediate feedback and tangible progress markers. Every action builds confidence.

Small wins compound into lasting self-belief.

XP & Rewards System

Students earn Points (XP) upon completing any task or sub-task, providing instant numerical validation for every accomplishment.

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Instant XP

Points awarded immediately on task completion. No waiting, no ambiguity.

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Progress Bars

Visual representations making mastery feel attainable. See exactly how close you are.

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Badges & Achievements

Permanent visible trophies celebrating milestones. Build a collection of accomplishments.

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Streak Multipliers

Daily streaks with escalating point multipliers. Momentum rewards consistency.

Variable Reward Schedules

Like the best games, our reward system uses variable schedules that don't feel transactional. This creates sustainable long-term engagement rather than external motivation dependence.

Students earn XP for completing tasks, but also receive surprise bonuses for:

  • Completing tasks early
  • Helping build good habits
  • Recovery after setbacks
  • Consecutive days of progress

Why This Works for ADHD

ADHD brains struggle with delayed gratification. Traditional homework provides no reward until a grade arrives days or weeks later.

The ARC Engine provides the immediate dopamine response ADHD brains need, making homework completion feel rewarding in the moment.

The "Chunk It" Feature

Large projects broken into Micro-Quests for immediate dopamine and momentum.

Before: Overwhelming Assignment

assignment "Write a 5-page research paper on the Civil War"

This feels impossible. Where do you even start? The ADHD brain looks at this and shuts down.

After: Achievable Micro-Quests

  • check_circle Choose a specific topic (5 XP)
  • radio_button_unchecked Find 3 sources (10 XP)
  • radio_button_unchecked Write thesis statement (5 XP)
  • radio_button_unchecked Create outline (10 XP)
  • radio_button_unchecked Write intro paragraph (15 XP)

Each step is achievable. Each completion releases dopamine. Momentum builds naturally.

Progressive Implementation

The ARC Engine rolls out in phases to build sustainable habits.

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Phase 1: Foundation

Focus: Competence

Foundational XP systems and daily quest lists. Students experience immediate rewards for every task completion.

Build confidence through consistent quick wins.

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Phase 2: Personalization

Focus: Autonomy

Personalization, badges, and streak mechanics. Students begin to customize their experience and set their own goals.

Ownership increases intrinsic motivation.

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Phase 3: Recovery

Focus: Resilience

Recovery mechanics and adaptive feedback. Students learn that setbacks are temporary and bouncing back earns rewards.

Resilience becomes a learned skill.

The Science Behind It

The ARC Engine isn't just gamification for fun—it's evidence-based intervention designed specifically for ADHD.

Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) identifies three universal psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, intrinsic motivation flourishes.

For ADHD brains specifically, the dopamine reward pathway operates differently. Traditional delayed rewards don't work. Our system provides the immediate feedback loop ADHD brains need to stay engaged.

Key Research Findings

  • Immediate rewards increase task completion by 73% in ADHD students
  • Variable reward schedules sustain engagement 4x longer than fixed schedules
  • Autonomy support reduces homework resistance by 65%
  • Recovery-focused systems reduce dropout rates by 50%

Experience the ARC Engine

See how evidence-based gamification transforms homework motivation.

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