The Model

Updated GTAM™ Framework Description: 

   GTAM™ (Guo’s Triangular Activation Model) is an evolving, triangle-based framework that interconnects two complementary dimensions of teaching and learning:

• A psychological dimension that focuses on learners’ internal growth drivers—Motivation, Engagement, and Adaptation (M–E–A), and
  
  

• A practical dimension that centers on dynamic instructional conditions—Student, Activity, and Environment (S–A–E).
  
  

Originally designed for K–12 settings, GTAM™ has matured into a versatile, multi-level model for both school and higher education contexts. It supports educators and researchers in designing responsive learning environments, adjusting in real time, and activating both internal and external forces for transformative outcomes.

   The S–A–E dimension is not static—teachers are encouraged to observe learner responses, identify moments of divergence, and iteratively adjust instructional design. GTAM™ is therefore both a diagnostic lens and an adaptive engine for meaningful teaching and learning.