Classroom environments that enable students to focus on and engage with lesson content provide an important foundation for learning success. Rules and routines support students in being ready to engage, and can facilitate their learning.
A rule is usually a short instruction for conduct or action that everyone is expected to know, follow and refer to regularly. Routines are sequences of recurring tasks or actions – for example, daily review taught and modelled by the teacher and practised by students so they become automatic. With clear rules and routines, students understand and are more able to demonstrate what’s expected of them. Rules and routines also ensure students know what they can expect from their teacher during the learning process, and how actively participating will help them achieve their goals. The experience of predictability and safety in a learning environment that includes routines contributes to positive relationships and learning success.
This practice guide will help you reflect and take action to develop your practice with a greater understanding of:
- the ways rules and routines support learning
- how to equip students with the skills to participate in routines that support their learning.
Keywords: student engagement