Behaviour for learning: key principles

Author: Lorna Smith
Published: 17/08/2020

A teacher giving feedback

  1. Create a positive classroom environment. Distract from, or tactfully ignore, low-level examples of inappropriate behaviour when possible, and concentrate on students’ positive behaviour: ‘I’m really pleased to see you working so well as a team….’ 
  2. Never compare students with other students or siblings.
  3. Avoid drawing attention to a student’s needs in front of their peers.
  4. Show sympathy, concern and understanding. Try to solve problems collaboratively
  5. Keep rules to a minimum and express them in simple, positive terms, rather than a list of ‘don’ts’.
  6. Enforce classroom rules consistently. Discuss them as a class, explain their purpose, and regularly review them as a class.
  7. Encourage students to self-assess their own behaviour against these rules. Set targets together.
  8. Help students feel comfortable with seeking assistance
  9. Rewards should be frequent and valued by students, but only given when deserved.
  10. Provide rewards for on-task behaviour – working well in teams, following instructions first time, etc.   

Download all 20 behaviour for learning tips. 

Lorna Smith

Lorna Smith is Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Bristol.