What are learning behaviours - and how can we develop them in pupils?

In this article, we provide an in-depth look at what learning behaviours are, how they support teaching and learning, and how teachers can develop these behaviours in pupils. 

What are learning behaviours? 

When we talk about behaviour in schools, it would be easy to assume that we’re talking about misbehaviour. However, teachers also need to consider the behaviours that support learning and development – these are known as learning behaviours.  

Examples of learning behaviours 

Learning behaviours are types of behaviours that are necessary in order for a child to learn effectively in the classroom. They are typically broken up into three groups: emotional, social and curricular behaviours.  

Emotional 

You might recognise emotional behaviours in students as, for example, expressing their emotions accurately with the right vocabulary. Or showing pride in their work. Emotional learning behaviours encompass a child’s relationship with themselves.  

Social 

Social learning behaviours involve a child’s relationship with others. You might see this when children work together in a group, listening to each other, letting others speak and working collaboratively. Or when children are attentive and follow the directions of the teacher – showing their understanding of the expectations of the social environment they are in. 

Curricular 

Curricular behaviours demonstrate a child’s cognitive ability and their ability to engage with the curriculum. For example, organising their own time and space for learning, setting goals and monitoring their own progress, and recognising when they may need extra support in a specific area. 

Within these groups, a set of ten learning behaviours have been identified as being supportive of learning and development: 

• Engagement 

• Collaboration 

• Participation 

• Communication 

• Motivation 

• Independent activity 

• Responsiveness 

• Self-regard 

• Self-esteem 

• Responsibility 

How learning behaviours support teaching and learning 

It’s crucial that pupils develop effective learning behaviours relatively early in their school career as they directly influence their ability to engage – both with their teachers and the curriculum, and with other students around them.  

Promoting learning behaviours can result in a more productive and supportive learning environment which, in turn, can influence student success and their journey through education.  

Meanwhile, learning behaviours also supports teachers in their own development, encouraging them to consider: 

• Reflective practice 

• Assessment 

• Planning 

• Monitoring and evaluation 

How teachers can develop learning behaviours in pupils 

Practically, it has been suggested that teachers draw on learning behaviours in three ways: 

• Extended – spending time focusing on developing one or more of the three core relationships in pupils (emotional, social, curricular). 

• Core – identifying specific learning behaviours for pupils to develop 

• Day-to-day – through general teaching and behaviour management, teachers should protect and enhance the three relationships and encourage the use of positive learning behaviours. 

However, when working with pupils on specific learning behaviours, there are some important considerations when choosing which behaviours to develop. They should be: 

• Positively expressed rather than referring to the reduction or absence of a particular behaviour (e.g. ‘raises hand to ask questions’ rather than ‘does not speak out of turn’). 

• Assessable – teachers should be able to identify specific indicators that evidence progress in the development of the learning behaviour. 

• Possible to identify development, even if the behaviour represents disposition (e.g. becoming more confident). An indicator that a pupil is making progress here could be initiating conversation. 

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